Humans and GIS

Humans solve problems by using heuristic reasoning, mathematical and statistical analysis. Traditionally, higher education has always been strong in teaching these three methods. GIS is the fourth method to analyze problems through visual methods and principles. Tools, techniques and methodologies are available in GIS to bring a visual solution which will in turn cast a new light and, more importantly, clearly summarizes the situation. CirTerra can help!

As a banker in Fort Collins and you know that your branch has the potential to grow. But where? First of all, you ”put your customers on the map” to determine their locations and see in which geographic areas they live: the “where” factor. This first map would give you an idea of their location in relation to your branch. It would also give you a first impression about their demographic profile: the “who” factor. You would also like to determine their “drive times” to count how many customers fall within a certain drive time distance from your branch. GIS will then help draw your current trade area, easily showing where 20% of customers bringing 80% deposits live. With a GIS, we could also draw “desire lines” to see which customers are drawn to specific branches and avoid cannibalization when you open your new branch. You could also see areas of great concentration with the potential to add ATMs instead of more expensive branches: the “why” factor. Finally with the adequate databases, you could find the “day time” population, with a propensity to bank at lunch time: the “when” factor. Similarly, you could plot your competitors to see how they are encroaching your trade area: the “how” factor.