A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, analyzing, manipulating, and displaying data related to positions on the Earth's surface. A GIS can relate otherwise disparate datasets on the basis of common geography, revealing hidden patterns, relationships, and trends that are not readily apparent in spreadsheets or statistical packages, often creating new information from existing data resources.

GIS is used in almost every department in the City of San José, and the uses of GIS range widely. GIS is used to map land boundaries, infrastructure such as utility pipes, zoning information, parks and trails, and other City assets. GIS is used as an analytic tool to answer questions and make better decisions. GIS also provides an integrative framework for mission-critical City applications such as Online Permitting and Computer Aided Dispatching.

Some example City-related situations where GIS is used are: - Maintenance Activities - Construction Planning - Infrastructure Inventory - Emergency Response - Computer Aided Dispatch - Planning / Permitting - Sewer Flow Analysis