A geographic information system (GIS) is a system for creating and managing map or spatial data. It is a computer system capable of integrating, storing, editing, analyzing, and displaying geographically-referenced information.

Geographic information systems are used by police and fire departments and other Department of Homeland Security first responders.

Geographic information systems are also used by city planners, tax assessors, and in resource management, asset management, cartography and route planning.

The GIS information can include map elements such as parcels, streets, water mains, and the map and GPS (global positioning system) co-ordinates of each.