In the world of civil engineering, GIS is making waves. It’s putting a wealth of information at engineers’ fingertips, using advanced modeling techniques that make navigating data easier than ever before.
If you’re curious about what GIS is and how it’s impacting civil engineering. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is GIS?
GIS is an initialism that stands for “geographic information systems.” It represents a system for gathering, compiling, managing, and analyzing various types of data. Along with information relating to locations and physical spaces, it can also display a range of other data points about activities in a region.
Often, GIS systems create complexly layered visualizations, combining mapping and 3D image rendering to cultivate accurate landscapes, both literally and figuratively. The renderings become valuable informational resources, giving an image to data that can otherwise be hard to picture.
How GIS Is Changing Engineering
In the world of civil engineering, GIS is making it easier to analyze the physical world. The layered renderings make accessing a wealth of information about an area simpler, speeding up decision-making, planning, and development.
Without GIS, civil engineers have to explore a wide range of data sources separately. For example, they may need to review a 2D map of an area, explore traffic flow data in a spreadsheet, explore databases for population metrics, and more.
With GIS, all of that information can be accessed from a single core 3D image. The renderings can have numerous layers, each one containing relevant information about a region. Plus, the layers can be viewed together or separately. You can display or hide details whenever the need arises, allowing civil engineers to reduce or increase the complexity of the image.
Plus, GIS isn’t limited to data relating to the physical landscape. Material data, historical records, human-made structures, and populations can all be part of the equation. Essentially, any data point representing a part of the equation could be incorporated, centralizing crucial information needed for projects of all kinds.
Finally, GIS can be used for future planning. Layers can be crafted to represent proposed projects. Whether it’s a new bridge, roadway, high rise, dam, or anything else, it can all be created and added to the visualization. Then, they can assess the impact of the proposal, reviewing other layers to see whether it may disrupt a critical flow of traffic, impact watersheds, displace part of the population, influence wildlife patterns, and more.
Ultimately, GIS is putting new capabilities into the hands of civil engineers. Those in the field can work more effectively and achieve greater accuracy, all through the power of GIS.
Are You Hunting for a New GIS Position?
If you’re a GIS professional and are ready to take the next step in your career, now is the perfect time to launch a job search. By partnering with Selectek, you can find a new GIS job quickly and efficiently. Contact us to speak with one of our experienced Selectek recruiters today.
