What is the main function of a Geographic Information System (GIS)?

The main function of a Geographic Information System (GIS) is to store and analyze geographical data. GIS involves using data that is geographically referenced to enable users to visualize, interpret, and understand patterns and relationships within that data. This capability allows organizations to create maps, analyze spatial relationships, and generate insights that are critical for decision-making in various fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and resource allocation.

While tracking employee locations might be a function of a specific application utilizing GIS data, it is not the primary purpose of a GIS. Similarly, managing company assets can incorporate GIS technology to analyze the geographic distribution of assets but again does not represent the core function of GIS. Providing navigation services can also utilize GIS capabilities, such as routing and distance calculation, but is just one application among many that GIS can support. Therefore, the focus of GIS as a system primarily aligns with its role in storing and analyzing geographical data.