GIS is a computer system that captures, stores, checks, and displays information related to positions on Earth’s surface. It helps analysts and scientists study climate change, land use planning, business, and even our nation’s defense. You might use it to find the closest restaurant or book store using your phone’s GPS. At NOAA, GIS is used to map oil spill trajectories and historic hurricane tracks, view and analyze nautical charts, and understand trends in areas such as sea level change and coastal socioeconomics.