GIS and data visualization tools have transformed our ability to understand complex geographic (and non-locational) relationships by catering the representation of the information to our innate human expertise in comprehending two- and three-dimensional spaces. Many problems can be quickly assessed - at least in a preliminary way - through the use of well-designed graphics that reveal the key spatial relationships between two or more things.
 
 

Visualization: Overlay Mapping

Mandala on globe
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GIS lets you quickly visualize geographic relationships by overlaying one or more data layers. This example shows work we did for the Dzogchen Community in America to help them understand the spatial mapping between the Vajra Dance Mandala (colored polygon and point overlays) and the physical world.