GISkartor

GISkartor, or GIS maps, are spatial representations created and analyzed with geographic information systems. They combine geographic data with descriptive attributes to visualize patterns, relationships, and trends across space. A GIS map typically comprises layers representing features such as terrain, roads, land use, and demographic data, which can be viewed as vector data (points, lines, polygons) or raster data (grids).

Data sources include field surveys, satellite imagery, aerial photography, and public databases. Cartograms often rely on coordinate reference systems and map projections to relate features to a common Earth model. Common formats and standards include WMS and WFS services, GeoJSON, Shapefiles, and proprietary formats used by GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and MapInfo. Web GIS has enabled interactive GISkartor accessible via web browsers, allowing users to pan, zoom, query attributes, and perform spatial analysis.

Applications span urban planning, transportation, environmental monitoring, natural resources, agriculture, disaster management, and public health. Benefits include integrated analysis, scenario modeling, and improved decision making, while challenges include data quality and availability, licensing, interoperability, and privacy concerns.