USC Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute

GIS Technology Articles

The Application of Geographic Information Science in Earth Sciences

Geographic Information Science (GIS) provides a powerful means of looking at the world and tools for solving complex problems. Innovations continue to emerge from GIS, whether transportation companies are optimizing logistics or manufacturers are tracking the locations of equipment with Internet of Things sensors. Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) …

Read more >


Geospatial Information and National Security

For thousands of years, societies have recognized the importance of geographic data as a means of tracking the unknown through maps. However, in the modern age, this important information is used for more than navigating your way to the nearest coffee house. Today, private companies and governmental agencies combine this …

Read more >


How GIS Can Help with Emergency Management

In the wake of a disaster, data-driven maps that harness technology can be a true lifesaver. Using geographic information science (GIS) in emergency management can make an enormous impact in mitigating, responding to and recovering from a major event. After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, darkness fell across …

Read more >


The Search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370

The mystery surrounding Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has continued to haunt searchers – an international contingent of experienced rescuers and scientists who have been persistently seeking answers on behalf of victim’s families, the airline itself and a concerned public. The cartography of the search is of particular interest – understanding …

Read more >


3 Big Opportunities for Growth in GIS

Geographic information science (GIS) presents exciting opportunities for strategic decision-making and professional advancement. A 2018 study from Geospatial Media and Communications estimated that the GIS and spatial analytics market, which includes areas like satellite navigation and 3D scanning, will be valued at $88.3 billion by 2020. There are many reasons …

Read more >


4 Uses of 3D GIS

Geographic Information Science (GIS) offers powerful tools for performing detailed analysis of spatial information and solving complex problems. Traditional GIS data is based on mapping in two dimensions, an x and y-value, which can be limiting in some applications. Utilizing 3D GIS software lets users engage with data from a …

Read more >


How Household Companies Use GIS

The leaders of organizations rely on having the resources and intelligence that guide toward making the right decisions at the right times. Accurate information enables the strategic choices that lead to efficient operations and sustainable growth. The development of geographic information science (GIS) has been a boon to many businesses …

Read more >


The Future of GIS

You’ve likely heard plenty about historical trends in the development and use of Geographic Information Science (GIS), but what about where GIS is headed into the future? While it can be difficult to try to prophesize the future of an industry and technology, there are a wealth of clues that …

Read more >


Request a Brochure

To learn more about the University of Southern California's online GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 877-650-9054 to speak to an enrollment advisor.

* All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected.
  Are you enrolling from outside the U.S.? Click Here.