Geographic Information System (GIS) is a technology that enables the user to view, analyse and manipulate data in a way that reveals relationships, patterns and trends in the form of digital maps and charts. 

Using GIS, you can unlock information, solve problems, identify and evaluate options, and assess situations by essentially linking data to geography. In short, with GIS you can make informed decisions and run your organisation more efficiently and more effectively – using your data in a far more meaningful way, extracting detail to increase productivity, and enhance efficiencies. 

With GIS technology, your database is transformed into a powerful decision-making tool. A set of data can be overlaid onto a geographic area in order to generate a range of information, layer upon layer – each layer effectively answering the unique questions that you input and resulting in a pattern or theme.

GIS can be applied in numerous situations across a variety of disciplines. Currently, it is used on an everyday basis in activities as diverse as banking, law enforcement, retailing, agriculture, land-use planning, engineering, forestry, among others. 

In environmental management, GIS readily complements other scientific disciplines and is an integral part of many impact assessments. 

At PAEHolmes, where the situation is appropriate, we use GIS to create customised geophysical databases for jobs involving modelling. Data on land use, terrain elevation, soil etc are sourced from the highest resolution possible and converted into formats that models can read. We can offer the following GIS services:

• Spatial database and information management
• Statistical analysis of data
• Data format conversion
• Geo-referencing of vector and raster format data
• Conversions between coordinate systems and projections
• 2D digitizing (automated and semi-automated) 
• Generation of high quality digital elevation models
• Slope calculation
• Internet mapping (including creating layers for Google Earth).