ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Geographic information science

Geographic Information Science (GIS) is a type of science that lets us use computers to learn more about the world around us. GIS uses a special type of map called a Geographic Information System (GIS) map, which has layers that show things like where rivers and roads are, what types of land are in an area, and even how areas have changed over time. By using these layers, we can ask questions like ‘where are the rivers in my city?’ and get answers like ‘the rivers are in the northern part of the city by the mountain.’ GIS maps can also show us what people in a certain area are interested in, and how they use their environment. With GIS, we can even make predictions about how an area might look in the future based on how it looks now. GIS is a powerful tool that helps us understand the world in exciting new ways!