Using GIS and location data in analysis

Much organisational data has a location: customers, facilities, survey respondents, incidents, vehicles. Geographic information systems (GIS) turn that into insight.

Common uses

• Mapping service coverage and gaps.
• Estimating travel times to facilities.
• Finding hotspots of incidents or demand.
• Planning routes and territories.

Collect good locations

Capture GPS coordinates at the point of data collection where appropriate and consented, and standardise place names.

Combine with other layers

Population, roads, administrative boundaries and terrain data add context to your own data.

Visualise clearly

Choose map types that suit the data and audience, with clear legends and sources.

Protect privacy

Precise locations can identify individuals. Aggregate or blur locations before publishing.

See our data and research services.