Final answer:
GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, use software to gather, integrate, and analyze geographical data, creating specialized maps for various applications such as urban planning and crime mapping.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geographic Information Science (GIS) is commonly utilized for collecting, integrating, and analyzing spatial data across a variety of fields. GIS specialists work with GIS software to gather and interpret geographical data, which can be used for a diverse range of applications from urban planning to crime mapping. For instance, in law enforcement, crime mapping is a notable subfield where GIS technology assists in plotting and analyzing crime data, offering valuable insights for tactical and policy decisions.
Furthermore, GIS has revolutionized the field of cartography, with virtually all modern cartographic work being facilitated by GIS programs. This integration of spatial data layers allows for the creation of detailed, purpose-specific maps that can address questions and predict spatial relationships, essential in multiple disciplines including social and physical sciences.