Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Their Use in Logistics

Introduction

In today’s competitive business environment, the swift movement of products and the efficient execution of logistics activities are of vital importance for companies operating in national and international markets. In this context, evolving information systems, technology, and transportation tools have directed companies to focus more on logistics issues.

A significant portion of information created in today’s world consists of spatial and locational data. The collection, analysis, and processing of this data have gained great importance. This is precisely where Geographic Information Systems (GIS) come into play.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS is a combination of software, hardware, personnel, data, and methods that assist in location-based decision-making processes. Facilitating spatial analyses such as determining the distribution and densities of the population nationwide, GIS is effectively used in various sectors.

Components of GIS

1. Data: The fundamental component of GIS, often constituting a substantial part of projects. Spatial and tabular data are types of data used in projects.
2. Hardware: Includes hardware components such as computer systems, scanners, printers, GPS, necessary for the functioning of GIS projects.
3. Software: Encompasses the software used to create and manage GIS projects. GIS software typically has features like data generation, storage, visualization, querying, and reporting.
4. Methods: Determine the methodology and procedures used in GIS projects. They provide guidelines on how data will be processed, analyzed, and queried.
5. Personnel: Encompasses trained personnel involved in GIS projects. It includes roles such as GIS manager, database administrator, software specialist, etc.

Applications of GIS

Geographic Information Systems are effectively used in various fields. Examples of application areas include:

• Engineering Applications: Optimized solutions are produced in areas such as electricity, water, natural gas networks, and vehicle tracking systems using GIS.
• Agricultural Applications: GIS plays a significant role in planning and management in agricultural fields, covering aspects like vegetation, arable land, irrigation systems, and more.
• Environmental Applications: The use of GIS is widespread in environmental areas such as erosion risk analyses, water resources, pollution analyses, and climate science studies.
• Geoscience Applications: GIS is utilized in areas such as the detection of mining and oil fields, geological maps, earthquake risk analyses, etc.

Use of GIS in Logistics

In logistics systems, the use of GIS is particularly effective in the following areas:

1. Vehicle Routing: GIS aids logistics companies in optimizing vehicle routes, improving delivery times, and minimizing costs.
2. Product Flow Optimization: GIS helps manage the flow of products within the logistics network effectively, from suppliers to retailers.
3. Facility Location Selection: Strategic facility locations critical to logistics companies are determined based on factors such as customer demands, energy costs, labor costs, etc., with the help of GIS.
4. Region Definition: Segmenting customers based on their geographical locations or clustering similar customers are areas where GIS is effectively utilized in logistics planning.
5. Vehicle Tracking: GIS provides significant advantages to logistics companies in real-time tracking and management of vehicle routes.

Conclusion

Geographic Information Systems are a powerful tool that enables more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly management of logistics processes. The use of GIS in logistics provides significant advantages such as cost savings, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.