GIS 101:  Here we present a very short introduction to the basics of business geographics.  If you have additional questions, please call anytime: 888-840-6100

• A GIS allows for the creation, manipulation, examination, and presentation of data within a spatially relevant context.
• Using a GIS allows for the production of data-driven maps and also map-driven data.

Plainly put, data gets onto the map based on the location the data refers to -- sales territory, zip code, address, etc.  Once the data is on the map, it can be analyzed, reported on, etc. 

It gets even more interesting once various information that all shares the same geography -- such as a demographics and sales figures by zip code -- start interacting!

Learn more about
geocoding

• Data Visualization
  For lots of business data, you just can't beat a map as a means of communication.   Think about all the sales reports you've ever seen.  These data are inevitably grouped by some geography, such as county, territory, market, etc.  When the data are presented as colors on a map, the information is understood much more quickly by  the viewer.
  
  Also, a map can display multiple data, such as sales and location of dealers and sales potential across your market.  The GIS  lets various company data come together in one place, often for the first time.
  
• Spatial Processing
  A GIS can be used to enhance existing data and then pass it along the way to other information systems in your company. 
  
  For instance, you might wish to analyze the demographics of your subscriber base.  One way to do this is to get all the subscribers on the map, and then pass  neighborhood demographics to each record.  The database can then be analyzed and reported on with another tool.
  
  Another example of spatial processing is sales territory creation and optimization.  The GIS is a perfect tool for balancing your territories based on multiple criteria.  What used to be a huge undertaking is now easy to do...even kind of fun!
  
• Spatial Queries
  One of the most natural GIS functions is a proximity search.  The following questions reflect this capability:  What is the closest store?  How large is my trade area?  What are the demographics of this place?  A GIS is all about what and where.

Sales Planning

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• Data you have
  This includes customer data, facilities data, territory definitions, any information you currently work with that has some geographic aspect.  The mapping software will interact with your data no matter where it is stored or how.  Real time or off-line.   Even on the internet.
  
• Data other people have
  This includes demographics, consumer behavior data, business locations, etc.  There exists a powerful and extensive world of information that you can use in your GIS.
  
• Geographic data you need
  The key to getting all this data onto the map are the geographic data files used in a GIS.   These include street files for geocoding and display, as well as a whole host of boundary files for reporting and analysis.  ZIP code boundaries are very popular and useful.

Market Research

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• Business Vocabulary
  Our focus since 1994 has been almost exclusively on private sector applications.  We know the data, the issues, and we know the methods to achieve success.  And we know how to treat a customer!
  
• One-Stop shopping
  Our business model is to try and be a source for all things GIS for our customers.   We offer a full line of GIS products, including the most popular and highly regarded demographic, business, and cartographic data files.  Further, we understand how to get the pieces in one place and working in concert.
  
• Customer Support
  As a small shop, we have to treat every customer with care.  Our typical customer relationship is such that we have an intimate understanding of the goals of the GIS, not just how a given command works.  We offer technical support, of course, but we focus on customer support!

Make the connection!  888-840-6100