Geographic Information Systems: GIS can be used to visualize a wide variety of map-based geo-spatial information. Information in a GIS is organized in layers. These layers can include features such as roads, streams, utilities, property ownership, political jurisdictions, aerial photos, scanned paper maps, realtime weather information and many other map features.

Almost everyone has heard of or used Google Earth as a free geospatial visual intelligence browser. Government agencies, private sector companies and individuals use GIS to create the data that is displayed in Google Earth. Many of these organizations offer their map layers as free downloads for viewing in ESRI's ArcGIS, Google Earth or Microsoft Virtual Earth, so that non-technical users can explore the valuable map information generated by GIS professionals.

For NIMS-based emergency response, geospatial visual intelligence provides a Common Operational Picture (COP). Waypoint Mapping can help you merge the geospatial information that you already have with new sources of map layers such as realtime weather, GPS and aerial imagery.

Click on the thumbnail images below for a larger view of these examples of geospatial visual intelligence at work:

GIS as a Common Operational Picture during an Oil Spill

GIS as a Common Operational Picture for HAZMAT

Monitoring Realtime and Forecast Models during Hurricane IKE

Landfall of Hurricane Katrina in ArcGIS