Google Maps vs GIS Maps - What to say at your next Dinner Party (2024)

Time and time again I tell my friends or new people I meet that I work for a GIS software company, they either have a blank look on their face or they think I sell GPS units. If I say mapping, they always follow up with "like Google Maps?". So I feel very compelled to come up with some quick and simple ways to explain the difference between GIS maps and Google maps, in one short sentence, and without the standard industry jargon.

If you work in the GIS industry and have trouble explaining GIS to people who don't even know what GIS stands for, I have put together a list of sentences for you. Try them out at your next dinner party and let me know if people can understand you better. The intent of this is to be fun and hopefully engage further conversation with people about GIS.

The list below contains my own explanations.

1. Google maps only show you what the naked eye can see on the surface; GIS maps show you all the things that are above, underneath and invisible (but very real), plus historical info so you can predict the future. - I like this one, because people will always ask what's underneath and invisible? Then, you can get into water lines, utility networks, property boundaries, forest fires, vehicle fleets, marine ecosystems - the list goes on. You can talk about whatever you know best or what you think your friend may be interested in.
2. Google maps are great for consumers and GIS maps are better for professionals. - this one is quick and dirty and gets the job done.
3. Google maps can show you WHERE is the closest Starbucks whereas GIS maps can show you WHICH intersection to OPEN up a new Starbucks based on your budget. - Although it is only one small example of what GIS maps can do, but it is very relatable to a regular Joe (pun. intended).
4. Google maps shows 180 degrees, GIS Maps shows the 360 degrees to the nth power. - This one is a bit out there, but it opens up a great conversation if you are on a date and you both like math...
5. Google maps find places, GIS maps help you solve a problem.
6. It's like the difference between Iphone XR and RAZR V3 - Another personal fav because then you can open up the conversation about Esri Apps and ArcGIS Online, etc.

Here are some great quotes from coworkers. Thank you all for your input.

1. GIS maps are like Google maps on steroids. - Alia K.

2. GIS maps save the world. - Nicole F.

3. With Google maps you can find the quickest way to a resident calling in for basem*nt flooding. With GIS you plan for new catch-basins points, re-route overland flow routes, isolate high risk populations and develop real time notification systems - to make sure this doesn't happen again.- Chaim S.

If you have some great ones of your own, please comment below.

Have fun at your next dinner party and let me know if any of these work.

Alice.