ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how Geographic Information System (GIS) works and how it can help IT professionals improve profitability and productivity. Geographic information, which has been stored on paper maps for centuries, can be encoded and processed in computers. The main ingredient of GIS analysis is the bank’s own data. In fact, much of the value of GIS technology lies in revealing patterns of profit and opportunity from operational data. GIS works by processing routine operational data in ways that will reveal a bank’s profit patterns. Too often, banks and consultants use GIS technology just for analysis. All productive use of GIS must begin with an understanding of the actions a bank can take to make changes in operations. Bankers should not underestimate the cost, complexity, and risks of plunging into GIS. While a fair amount of data, software, and computer power must be acquired, the main cost of a GIS operation will be staff time.
