USC Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute

GIS Applications Articles

How Is Geospatial Information Used for 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 Is GIS Used in Cybersecurity?

High-profile incidents like the Equifax data breach and WannaCry ransomware attack have ensured that cybersecurity is a top priority for organizations of all kinds. Retailers that process payments, hospitals entrusted with confidential patient information and local governments conducting elections are all highly conscious of the threats posed by phishing scams, …

Read more >


4 Historical GIS Projects That You Don’t Know About

Historical Geographic Information Science (GIS) projects use spatial data to discover a unique perspective on past events. Some of the best GIS projects provide insight into major developments today. There are many notable historical GIS project examples available online. Here, we’ll detail four of our favorites: Story Maps from the …

Read more >


4 Uses of Geospatial Intelligence

What is Geospatial Intelligence? Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) is a broad field that encompasses the intersection of geospatial data with social, political, environmental and numerous other factors. The Intelligence Community defines geospatial intelligence as “the exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial information to describe, assess and visually depict physical features …

Read more >


GIS is Rewriting Archaeology Approaches

Geographic information science (GIS) has made a monumental impact in fields like the earth sciences and historical research. Archaeologists were among the earliest adopters of GIS, beginning to utilize geospatial technology for projects in the 1980s. Since then, GIS has continued to change archeology approaches for the better, opening new …

Read more >


How Remote Sensing Saves the Earth

Remotely gathering spatial information is a powerful means to understand and respond to urgent humanitarian and environmental problems. But, for many years, it was challenging to get the information required to take action as remote sensing data was limited and difficult to acquire. Now, with the combination of new data …

Read more >


4 Applications of 3D GIS

Geographic Information Science (GIS) offers powerful tools for performing detailed analysis of spatial data 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 >


GIS Applications in Climate Change: How GIS Transforms Our Climate Response

Developments in geographic information science (GIS) have transformed how researchers in a variety of fields gather and analyze information about the world around us. Scientists gain valuable insights in areas such as geology and meteorology by gathering remote sensed data and implementing geospatial tools. The perspective offered by GIS technology …

Read more >


Why GIS Is Important in Urban Planning

Cities are systems of tremendous, ever-evolving complexity. Responsibly guiding an area’s development requires spatial information that’s robust, nuanced and constantly updated, as well as the problem-solving skills to apply that information. This challenge has made geographic information science and technology (GIST) invaluable to urban planners. Spatial data points the way …

Read more >


Emerging GIS Technologies

Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) includes a versatile range of tools and techniques for capturing, analyzing and leveraging spatial information. With each passing year, advances in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) reveal new applications in urban planning, retail, space exploration, and more. Experts make the most of these opportunities by …

Read more >


Request Brochure

Fill out the information below to learn more about the University of Southern California’s GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 213-325-2474 to speak to an enrollment specialist.

University of Southern California has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

* All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected.