Celebrating 25 years of GIS excellence: understanding GIS and the power of data

Wednesday 20 November 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of World Geographic Information Systems (GIS) day. In this insight we explore what GIS is and how the data can be used for vital decision making on development schemes.

What is GIS?

GIS allows users to map, analyse and store spatial data. It is often used to visualise environments, assist decision making, problem solve and provide real time information for both urban and rural projects.

Planning for success

GIS can increase a project’s chance of success by providing highly accurate geographic data. This then provides the foundation for which other data is built upon, including land interest data, and can be used for making crucial project decisions. Any inaccuracies, such as a boundary in the wrong place, could be costly and lead to significant time delays on a project.

Looking forward: how will GIS continue to develop?

As data becomes more accessible, the trajectory of GIS will continue to increase. It is thought that some key developments in the short-term future will include:

• A transition to a web GIS approach, utilising digital twins and real time modelling.
• The use of AI to assist users when visualising GIS data.
• Community mapping projects continuing to improve access to accurate maps worldwide.

As key strategic decisions continue to be driven by data, it is only likely that GIS services will become increasingly essential for commercial and residential developers, planning professionals, local authorities and scheme promoters, government agencies and private organisations.

How can GIS data help?

Gateley Hamer’s GIS team combines smart analytics with powerful cartographic principles to offer greater geospatial insight into projects. This includes undertaking detailed evidencing of land interest boundaries, integrating additional spatial data, including aerial photography and LiDAR, and preparing plan overlays.

The Gateley Hamer team has used GIS to capture, store, manipulate, and analyse land and property data for an array of infrastructure, utilities, regeneration, and development scheme matters. Examples of how GIS data can assist projects and schemes include:

• Detailed analysis and evidencing of land interest boundaries.
• Preparing plans compliant to statutory requirements for land referencing, compulsory purchase orders and development consent orders.
• Plans to support notice to treat/ enter and general vesting declaration processes.
• Preparation of comprehensive constraints plans.
• HM Land Registry compliant plans.
• Preparation of complex overlay plans.
• Generating evidence for planning applications and boundary disputes.
• Producing urban/ natural/ heritage capital audits and inventories for ad hoc or strategic projects.

In essence, geographic data is essential for supporting and ensuring the success of any type of project from a single property or private redevelopment to a large highway improvement scheme of national importance.