GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports and charts. Patterns and relationships are not always obvious in tabular data. However, when this data is viewed spatially these patterns begin to emerge and new types of analysis can be preformed.
Maps can be created to show change over time and location and to help predict those changes in order to become more prepared for planning efforts. GIS can be used as an information porthole to combine disparate information sources into a single map that otherwise would have to be viewed individually.