FAQ

About GIS

What is GIS?

What is GIS? Most data is connected to a location or a point in space. This data is known as location-based or "spatial data" , and it provides the building blocks to GI Science. ​ A Geographic Information System, or GIS, an combine and display spatial data. A GIS is like a digital map and computer hard-drive all in one. A GIS can also combine and analyze diverse types of data, using location as the common reference to perform"spatial analysis". The spatial analysis enables us to explore relationships and trends between spatial data to better understand where you are and where to go. ​ Location-based data and GIS help provide actionable insights to grow your business, make decisions & design the direction of your vision. ​ https://www.esri.com/en-us/what-is-gis/overview



Data Sources

ESRI

Atlys is able to provide analysis and reports using data you provide as well as over 10,000 variables related to population, demographics, market research and potential, businesses, and consumer behavior. National data is available and can be requested for different geographies down to the census block, or for a drive-time, walk-time or radial distance around a point of interest. Through Esri, Atlys can readily access data from industry leaders in market research, such as GfK MRI for demographic forecasting, Esri's own proprietary data and integrate it with common open data providers, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census and American Community Survey, and any data you have. Maps, reports, infographics and analysis are created using ArcGIS® software by Esri. ArcGIS® and ArcMap™ are the intellectual property of Esri and are used herein under license. Copyright © Esri. All rights reserved. For more information about Esri® software, please visit www.esri.com.



Market Potential Data

Market Potential data includes more than 2,000 data points for 35 different categories of goods/spending. The data is accessed through ESRI and sourced from industry-leading market research company, GfK MRI, through their consumer survey. According to GfK MRI, each "Market Potential category provide[s] information on the products and services consumers want and the civic attitudes they have.



Data Reliability

Atlys uses data only from authoritative sources with statistical evidence of their models and forecasts, and industry-leading companies.



Traffic Counts

Traffic Count reports, maps and any other custom data analysis request are from Kalibrate contain points that identify information about the number of vehicles that cross a street location. Historical traffic counts data comes from Kalibrate and are updated quarterly through ESRI.



Demographic Data

Data used in overview reports and demographic reports, as well as in various simple map-based analysis are based on data from ESRI which includes U.S. Census data, ACS 5-year data, ESRI's own annual estimates and five-year projections. Demographic profiles provide more detailed insights into population characteristics such as age, household features, race, as well as provide critical perspective on growth/decline trends and spatial distribution. Demographic data is recommended for businesses as a baseline to monitor the market, and for nonprofits, municipalities and churches to better serve clients, constituents and congregants in the present and in the future, through demographic forecasting.



Consumer Spending

Consumer spending data through ESRI is derived from the latest Consumer Expenditure Surveys, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Market Potential and consumer spending reports also include the retail demand in dollars which is measured through Esri's "Retail MarketPlace" data. This data is calculated by measuring the retail activity around a location/point of interest (geography, drive-time, walk-time etc.) by comparing consumer spending to retail sales for each major NAICS industry classification related to retail such as food and beverage, electronics, households etc.



About Atlys

How/where does Atlys get the data?

Using ESRI, one of the world's leading Geographic Information Systems providers, we are able to access location-based data to use for displaying data and conducting analyses. All data includes source citations, not only crediting ESRI, but also the original data source that they procured it from. Data-sharing is a growing topic and industry, and is what the future of data analytics is going to be built on. By using industry leaders we are to provide your company with robust, yet simple, reports & infographics with data specific for your geography & industry in clear visual formats.



 
 
 
 

What is GIS?

​Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, is a framework that can display and interpret data. GIS is like an online map, calculator and computer, combined.

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Most data is connected to a location or a point in space. This location-based, or "spatial data", is the foundation of GIS. Using location as a common reference, GIS can combine diverse types of data through "spatial analysis" which reveals information about the relationships, trends, and gaps between different data points.

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Location-based data and GIS provide unique, actionable insights to grow your business, make decisions & design the direction of your vision.

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Spatial analysis is built on data that has or can be assigned, a locational reference. Location-based data is abundant and increases as internet connections, GPS-enabled devices, and data sharing across disciplines continue to increase.

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Spatial analysis can be as simple as looking at demographics to see where a new business should locate, or it can be as complex as modeling and mapping the impact of climate change and integrating many layers of diverse data.

What is spatial analysis?

/spāSHəl/ adjective

relating to or occupying space