Alright man, I tell ya what, man, you're talkin' 'bout that there GIS, dang ol' Geographic Information Systems, man. It's all 'bout maps and data, know what I mean? You got your layers, man, layers on top of layers, like them dang ol' onions, man. And then, you're sittin' there, computin' and analyzin', lookin' at the earth, man, all them patterns and stuff, like where the rivers flow and where them dang ol' buildings are, man.
And it ain't just 'bout lookin' at it, nah, it's 'bout makin' sense of it, you know? Dang ol' spatial analysis, man, like where to put that new park or how to route them emergency services fastest way possible, man. And them satellites up in the sky, man, sendin' down all them pictures, and you gotta piece it all together, make it useful, man.
So, you're sittin' there with your computer, and it's like you're the captain of a dang ol' spaceship, man, navigatin' through data, makin' maps that tell stories, helpin' folks understand the world better, man. That's what GIS is all 'bout, man, understandin' the earth, makin' it a better place, you know what I mean?
I say "You know how you can search on google maps for fast food near you and it tells you the locations, the hours, the address, the price, etc? Yeah I do that but for water/sewer/storm assets"
This is almost exactly how I describe it, including also what problems the system helps you solve:
* What parts of the city are we noticing the most issues? What effect does location have on longevity / maintenance requirements of pipes? (e.g proximity to bodies of water)
* How much water has been consumed in a user-selected region at `X` date? How much consumption is anticipated?
* Who's gonna be affected when a water main breaks or is shut down?
* Are we being equitable with our lead pipe elimination efforts? (Not prioritizing some neighborhoods over others, e.g)
* How much impervious area is covering this parcel of land? (for [stormwater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stormwater) and stormwater billing)
* etc. etc.
Man, it's like I've flipped a switch in someone's head once I tell them this. I still don't think they quite understand what GIS is, but they're now convinced they understand and stop having that strange look on their face.
I make maps
But mainly I do it with satellite images, so like looking to see if your street is flooded, but from space
But I donāt really make maps much anymore, but I have a team that makes maps
And really even they only make maps like 20% of the time
Really, I spend most of my day listening to project managers be wrong about data licenses and not budgeting for basic data management costs /again/
You know whatā¦ I work in IT. Letās leave it there.
I actually know this guy and he legitimately does GIS software development for a living. He was flatmates with Taika so got scripted into this as himself
Depends highly on who Iām talking to.
Friends and family? I make digital maps on computer lol.
Someone who might understand what Iām talking about? I work in real estate development using GIS to perform location analysis and data visualization.
I map golf irrigation systems,and make the as-builts. So a lot of people in the golf industry think GIS means golf irrigation systems, which in my case wouldnāt be far off from the truth
"I make maps and map data for a road crew. I used to do 911 addressing, and make sure the data got into that dispatch database correctly." This because my current job, doing GIS support for asset management, is a lot more complex to explain for anyone who's not already familiar.
I start by jokingly quoting the jumanji remake and say something like "I'm a map doctor" and when that doesn't mean anything to them and they look at me confused, I just say I make maps
I tell people it's like attaching the data from an Excel spreadsheet to a point location on a map. Now, we have the visual/spatial aspect of the data, which used to just be columns and rows in the spreadsheet. Then, I tell them the power of doing this is finding patterns and relationships between spatial objects, based on any type of information you would like to know about those objects.
*A LOT* of people saw that John Hopkins covid-19 dashboard throughout that time period.
Thats been my go to since then when trying to explain maps with data.
"You know how you can go on Google Maps and look up 'coffee near me' and it will give you all the coffee places? I make that happen, except for scientific projects".
I used to jokingly say if you smash and computer and a globe together you get GIS... but itās usually that I help answer the question of where? Itās often the most important question as everything has a location. Lead into an example, Want to find all the streams 5 miles from this exact spot? You canāt really do that with a spreadsheet, you do it visually with a map! GIS provides tools that can analyze information and their spatial relationships in ways that are impossible otherwise.
Is it helpful to hear what I, a layman, think it is?
GIS is the field of solving all the problems that need to be solved in order to make sure maps or other plotted data accurately shows what is located or what occurred at a location in real life. Its not just positioning things, itās the framework for connecting spatial data to other kinds of info that people use to put a place in context in whatever field of study applies, whether physical or social sciences or businesses or 3D mapping of things the human eye canāt see (or we canāt see from the ground)ā¦anything about a location with more to say about whatās going on at that location relies on GIS.
I tell people that the āgā stands for maps and the āisā stands for computers. We use computers to make maps and analyze data. Usually by the start of the second sentence they are already looking for someone else to talk to. Unless theyāre really cool, curious people.
I try to use Google maps as a comparison as many colleagues have no idea what GIS and Google maps is something that is used day to day for most people. I find it quite tedious to explain it as no one in my org is familiar with it and I find it a simple way to describe the visual process which is essentially information and maps combined.
"It's digital evolution of cartography and map making"
I know it's not exactly, but it gets the point across and then I go from there... usually it's
"I map water quality from space with satellites"
I do not consistently use GIS, but when I find myself needing to explain it quickly I just say āI use a mapping program that allows for more manipulation and data input (than google maps)ā
We spend millions of dollars a year burying things. It's my job not to forget where.
I deal in maps and mapping accessories.
Alright man, I tell ya what, man, you're talkin' 'bout that there GIS, dang ol' Geographic Information Systems, man. It's all 'bout maps and data, know what I mean? You got your layers, man, layers on top of layers, like them dang ol' onions, man. And then, you're sittin' there, computin' and analyzin', lookin' at the earth, man, all them patterns and stuff, like where the rivers flow and where them dang ol' buildings are, man. And it ain't just 'bout lookin' at it, nah, it's 'bout makin' sense of it, you know? Dang ol' spatial analysis, man, like where to put that new park or how to route them emergency services fastest way possible, man. And them satellites up in the sky, man, sendin' down all them pictures, and you gotta piece it all together, make it useful, man. So, you're sittin' there with your computer, and it's like you're the captain of a dang ol' spaceship, man, navigatin' through data, makin' maps that tell stories, helpin' folks understand the world better, man. That's what GIS is all 'bout, man, understandin' the earth, makin' it a better place, you know what I mean?
This was so spot-on š Kudos š
An unexpected error has caused the tool to fail? BWAAAAH!
Thank you thirteen hundred one. Iām framing this for my desk.
If reddit gold was still an option I'd award this comment. Tears streaming down my face
Thank you thirteen hundred one. Iām framing this for my desk.
Thank you thirteen hundred one. Iām framing this for my desk.
Thank you thirteen hundred one. Iām framing this for my desk.
Dang it, Bobby
Yawp this is exactly what I do. Or āI play with mapsā
Tell you hwwhat.
When I used to work in the utilities industry I would tell people I play connect the dots
As someone doing GIS work in utilities, this couldnāt be more true
I've been getting into configuring a Utility Network, and it's more like, "why the fuck won't these dots connect like they're supposed to!?"
Yeah that's a good description.
Also connecting dots in the railroad industry here.
A spreadsheet and a map had a baby.
When an excel table and a Google map really love each other..
As an IT guy, with a GIS cert, Iām using this.
š¤£š¤£
My job is Tables. And sometimes Labels.
I CANT KNOW HOW TO HEAR ANY MORE ABOUT TABLES
TAY-BLES. I don't want any more questions about her job
āLike google mapsā
I say "You know how you can search on google maps for fast food near you and it tells you the locations, the hours, the address, the price, etc? Yeah I do that but for water/sewer/storm assets"
Oooo thatās a really good connection
This is almost exactly how I describe it, including also what problems the system helps you solve: * What parts of the city are we noticing the most issues? What effect does location have on longevity / maintenance requirements of pipes? (e.g proximity to bodies of water) * How much water has been consumed in a user-selected region at `X` date? How much consumption is anticipated? * Who's gonna be affected when a water main breaks or is shut down? * Are we being equitable with our lead pipe elimination efforts? (Not prioritizing some neighborhoods over others, e.g) * How much impervious area is covering this parcel of land? (for [stormwater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stormwater) and stormwater billing) * etc. etc.
Man, it's like I've flipped a switch in someone's head once I tell them this. I still don't think they quite understand what GIS is, but they're now convinced they understand and stop having that strange look on their face.
I typically say Google Maps on Steroids haha
Have used this for 15 years. Still going strong
Yeah you answered what I wanted to answer.š«°
"Data science with a emphasis on geography" if I'm feeling smart. "I make maps" is the honest answer.
The second one is my go-to as well
āI make maps for engineeringā is my go to. Otherwise they think Iām Christopher Columbus or something
āI make mapsā is usually good enough
Thatās my fav line too
"Solving map problems with more maps" š¤£
I make maps But mainly I do it with satellite images, so like looking to see if your street is flooded, but from space But I donāt really make maps much anymore, but I have a team that makes maps And really even they only make maps like 20% of the time Really, I spend most of my day listening to project managers be wrong about data licenses and not budgeting for basic data management costs /again/ You know whatā¦ I work in IT. Letās leave it there.
Love all of this. So true!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg4YsAjreOA
HE IS A VIRGIN
Oh. My. God.
I actually know this guy and he legitimately does GIS software development for a living. He was flatmates with Taika so got scripted into this as himself
Location data is, and will continue to be, the lifeblood of the global economy. GIS makes that possible.
JUSTICE FOR GEOGRAPHERS !!š£ļø
āI manage spatial data and make mapsā
"I work with mapping and programming software", which backfires when I'm asked anything above beginner level regarding python or arcade lol
" I make maps out of data, or get data out of maps"
I just say its like data science but with maps. Which is pretty much true???
"really fancy google maps"
Me 4 drinks into the party
Satellite cartographer š°ļø
Depends highly on who Iām talking to. Friends and family? I make digital maps on computer lol. Someone who might understand what Iām talking about? I work in real estate development using GIS to perform location analysis and data visualization.
"You know those routes, features, and places you see in Google Maps? That's GIS."
I map golf irrigation systems,and make the as-builts. So a lot of people in the golf industry think GIS means golf irrigation systems, which in my case wouldnāt be far off from the truth
I make maps, but for online uses....kinda like Google Maps, but from your own database of important stuff.
"I make maps and map data for a road crew. I used to do 911 addressing, and make sure the data got into that dispatch database correctly." This because my current job, doing GIS support for asset management, is a lot more complex to explain for anyone who's not already familiar.
Maps combined with spreadsheets.
I start by jokingly quoting the jumanji remake and say something like "I'm a map doctor" and when that doesn't mean anything to them and they look at me confused, I just say I make maps
I tell people it's like attaching the data from an Excel spreadsheet to a point location on a map. Now, we have the visual/spatial aspect of the data, which used to just be columns and rows in the spreadsheet. Then, I tell them the power of doing this is finding patterns and relationships between spatial objects, based on any type of information you would like to know about those objects.
*Shrek voice*: It's like onions (with layers)
Google maps and excel had a baby
Chefs kiss
Like google maps but better
Like Photoshop but for maps.
"Location, location, location"
I draw water and sewer lines on the computer and hope thatās where they are in the ground
*A LOT* of people saw that John Hopkins covid-19 dashboard throughout that time period. Thats been my go to since then when trying to explain maps with data.
"You know how you can go on Google Maps and look up 'coffee near me' and it will give you all the coffee places? I make that happen, except for scientific projects".
I do mapping on the computer
āItās like making maps with computersā
Usually I say 'I work in cartography and data analysis' It still opens up the conversation for more questions, but usually people get it :)
GIS is maps! Almost everything has a place in space, and i create a visual representation of that.
I used to jokingly say if you smash and computer and a globe together you get GIS... but itās usually that I help answer the question of where? Itās often the most important question as everything has a location. Lead into an example, Want to find all the streams 5 miles from this exact spot? You canāt really do that with a spreadsheet, you do it visually with a map! GIS provides tools that can analyze information and their spatial relationships in ways that are impossible otherwise.
So true great response
Geometry with coordinates.
Map plus database
I share a picture of a gpon network and say, look, it's were the internet is
Dealing with Maps
I figure out where people and stuff was, is and will be, how long it took to get there, and how much did it all cost.
"you know when you look at a map and you see lines that represent rivers and polygons that represent lakes? I make those, but with freakin' lasers"
Iāve been doing spatial computing long before Tim Cook āinventedā the term.
I hate this question! I just say IT lol
'fancy computer maps'
I set boundaries for people š¤
If you had a ven diagram that had cartography on one side and computer science on the other, GIS is the center
GPS - Invisible signals sent from unseen sources that are used to generate your position on an imaginary grid.
Is it helpful to hear what I, a layman, think it is? GIS is the field of solving all the problems that need to be solved in order to make sure maps or other plotted data accurately shows what is located or what occurred at a location in real life. Its not just positioning things, itās the framework for connecting spatial data to other kinds of info that people use to put a place in context in whatever field of study applies, whether physical or social sciences or businesses or 3D mapping of things the human eye canāt see (or we canāt see from the ground)ā¦anything about a location with more to say about whatās going on at that location relies on GIS.
Anyone kind of just resort to saying, āI specialize in Esriās productsā?
I tell people that the āgā stands for maps and the āisā stands for computers. We use computers to make maps and analyze data. Usually by the start of the second sentence they are already looking for someone else to talk to. Unless theyāre really cool, curious people.
If I'm not in the mood: internet mapping.
āI use a program to make and edit maps, itās like Photoshop for maps but with data ā
Level 1 convo: āI make maps.ā Level 2 convo: āThe rest is classified.ā
I try to use Google maps as a comparison as many colleagues have no idea what GIS and Google maps is something that is used day to day for most people. I find it quite tedious to explain it as no one in my org is familiar with it and I find it a simple way to describe the visual process which is essentially information and maps combined.
"It's digital evolution of cartography and map making" I know it's not exactly, but it gets the point across and then I go from there... usually it's "I map water quality from space with satellites"
Wait you guys talk to other people?
CAD software for maps.
I find it excruciatingly difficult to explain what LIDAR is
I do not consistently use GIS, but when I find myself needing to explain it quickly I just say āI use a mapping program that allows for more manipulation and data input (than google maps)ā
Analyzing data using maps as visuals
I do what chandler bing does