GIS (Geographic Information System) is a tool that helps us collect, store, and analyze data tied to locations on Earth. It combines maps with information, making it easier to see patterns, relationships, and trends in places, allowing us to visualize patterns and relationships to answer the "where" questions about our world. 

You might need GIS in your study or research because it lets you connect your data to real-world places. By placing information on a map, GIS helps you see patterns, relationships, and trends that are impossible to spot in spreadsheets or reports. For example, a public health student can map disease outbreaks to see which neighborhoods are most affected, or an environmental researcher can track deforestation over time using satellite images. Even social science researchers use GIS to study how access to public services differs by community.