Over the past two decades, professionals, educators, and students have learned to analyze data and information using a variety of software applications, particularly those included in the Microsoft Office suite.
However, the absence of a dedicated mapping application within this suite limited most analyses to charts, tables, and spreadsheets. As a result, many users did not develop spatial analysis skills and, even today, face difficulties when creating maps. Without maps, analyses often remain incomplete and provide only a partial understanding of the information being studied.
Different ways to analyze information
As illustrated in Figure 1, analysts should incorporate maps into their reports to gain a new perspective on the data and information being analyzed.
Figure 1 – Different ways to analyze information
Maps reveal patterns, relationships, concentrations, and geographic trends that are often impossible to identify using tables or charts alone. By combining traditional analysis methods with cartographic visualization, decision-makers can better understand the spatial dimensions of their data.
Create your first map
Follow the steps below to create your first map:
- Download Shapefile datasets: Consumption Potential Index (CPI)
- Download and install Gismaps Viewer: Gismaps Viewer Download
- Open Gismaps Viewer.
- Create a connection to the folder containing the downloaded Shapefiles.
- From the main menu, click Insert and choose the type of map you want to create:
- Map
- Image
- Label
- Query
- Thematic Map
- Improve the map presentation by selecting appropriate colors, symbols, and icons.
- Finalize the map by adjusting the zoom level and label sizes.
- Export the map for use in other documents:
- Use Ctrl + C to copy the map.
- Use Ctrl + V to paste it into reports, documents, presentations, or spreadsheets.
Why learn to create maps?
Learning how to create maps allows you to:
- Visualize information geographically.
- Identify regional patterns and trends.
- Improve reports and presentations.
- Support planning and decision-making.
- Communicate complex information more effectively.
- Develop valuable GIS and spatial analysis skills.
Today, creating maps is no longer limited to GIS specialists. With accessible software and readily available geographic data, professionals from virtually any field can incorporate mapping into their daily work.
Additional resources
More information about map creation and thematic mapping is available in the tutorials section: Gismaps Tutorials
Start creating your own maps and discover how spatial analysis can reveal insights that traditional charts and tables often cannot.