What concept differentiates GIS from traditional surveying and mapping?

The concept of spatial analysis is what differentiates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from traditional surveying and mapping. While surveying and mapping primarily focus on the accurate measurement and representation of physical features and boundaries, GIS goes a step further by incorporating analysis of spatial relationships and patterns within data.

Spatial analysis allows users to examine the relationships between different data points and to derive meaningful insights from geographic information. This can involve various techniques such as overlaying different layers of data, performing statistical analyses to identify trends, and modeling potential outcomes based on geographic variables. For example, spatial analysis can be used to assess the impact of environmental changes, plan urban development, or manage natural resources effectively.

In contrast, traditional surveying is more concerned with collecting precise geographical coordinates that represent physical locations, and mapping generally involves visualizing that data without the deeper analytical component that GIS provides. Therefore, the capability for spatial analysis is a defining characteristic that elevates GIS beyond traditional mapping and surveying practices.