As a highschool teacher and governor, Tim Walz has used the facility of geographic information systems (GIS) to resolve complex problems

When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz first heard about it, Geographical information systemsor GIS, as a highschool geography teacher within the Nineties, he didn’t need much convincing of the usefulness of this solution.

“I said to my colleagues, ‘This will change the world,'” Walz said called back during a conference for professionals who use spatial data technologies similar to GIS and GPS in July 2024, just weeks before Vice President Kamala Harris elected him as her vice chairman within the presidential elections in November 2024.

As professors of geoinformation technology and maritime studies on the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, we will attest that GIS has indeed modified the world. We have witnessed firsthand its growing importance in quite a few sectors and expect this trend to proceed.

Started within the classroom

Before Walz entered politics, he taught geography – initially allianceNebraska, and later at West-Gymnasium in Mankato, Minnesota – where he was an early adopter of GIS. The technology allows users to visualise, analyze and interpret data using maps.

After visiting a National Geographic Summer InstituteWalz introduced his students to GIS and taught them tips on how to use the tool to link geographic data to historical events similar to the Holocaust during World War II. By overlaying multiple layers of knowledge—similar to environmental aspects similar to droughts and geopolitical issues similar to occupation and colonialism—they were capable of discover potential sites for future genocides.

Specifically, Walz led his students at Alliance High School in an exercise wherein they accurately predicted The Genocide in Rwanda 1994.

This experience had a profound impact on the scholars, which led many to affix non-governmental organizations and work to make a difference on a world level.

Government use

Even as governor of Minnesota, Walz continued to depend on GIS.

“As governor, it’s really important for me to use my knowledge of mapping to communicate complex issues and bring about change among people,” Walz said on the geospatial conference.

Walz is way from the one American governor using GIS's data-driven insights to tackle complex challenges.

Across the United States, GIS has turn out to be an indispensable tool for state governments. In California, for instance, former Governor Schwarzenegger promoted using GIS as a choice support tool to Fighting forest fires And Improving disaster preparednessIn Massachusetts, former Governor Charlie Baker invested in GIS infrastructure and used this technology to Opioid crisis and expand High-speed Internet access to rural areas. These examples are only a small glimpse of how GIS is getting used in states across the country to enhance public safety, resource management, and infrastructure planning.

But what exactly is GIS? And what impact could Walz's experience with GIS have on a Harris-Walz administration if the duo wins the November 5 presidential election?

A strong evaluation tool

At its core, GIS is a vital a part of geoinformation technology. It includes tools and techniques for collecting, analyzing and managing Geographical data. The data is then displayed as maps.

Given Walz's geographic background, it's no surprise that as governor he used his knowledge to handle a few of Minnesota's most pressing challenges. This was especially evident through the COVID-19 pandemic. GIS played a critical role within the Minnesota Department of Health's collaboration with other national bodiesThis collaboration resulted in several Public Dashboards These provided essential metrics similar to case numbers, hospital capacities and stocks of critical supplies.

GIS also played a key role in enabling more efficient Distribution of faculty meals and the preservation of critical wetlandsWalz also used it to expand fast web in rural areas and Replace lead pipes.

Why geography is vital

Political decisions are sometimes shaped not only by the various opinions and ambitions inside a government. They are also influenced by the geographical perspectives that politicians bring to the table.

The importance of GIS isn’t limited to policy, but extends to addressing a few of the most complex challenges we face today, particularly in resource management. Consider, for instance, the oceans, where unclear jurisdictional boundaries, climate change and the vulnerability of coastal communities all pose significant challenges. In this context, GIS and maps are critical. They help us discover threats to people and their Livelihood.

From our Experience working in marine environmentsnow we have seen how GIS Promote transparency and construct trust between organizations, government officials and community leaders.

GIS may also help officials evaluate and prioritize public policies. For example, when Minnesota implemented a Tax credit program for families with children under 18 — especially for many who are too poor to File taxes — Legislators used GIS to Identify communities with low tax rates.

Minnesota also offers extensive Cards on the topics of climate, jobs, employees and the economy.

Future use

With the upcoming US elections in the autumn, the brand new presidency faces major challenges, similar to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combating poverty and resolving global conflicts.

As world affairs turn out to be increasingly complex, combining GIS with advanced technologies similar to artificial intelligence and large data is becoming essential for planning and decision-making. The challenge now’s to scale this approach at national and international levels, paving the way in which for a better-informed world.