What is a geodecision-making tool and provide an example of its use?

• A. A database that stores only non-spatial data.
• B. A GIS-based tool that supports decision making with spatial data; example: selecting a site for a new school based on population distribution and accessibility.
• C. A tool for creating decorative maps.
• D. A hardware device used in field measurement.

Answer: (B)

Geodecision-making tools are GIS-based decision support systems that use spatial data to help compare options and guide choices. They blend multiple data layers—such as population distribution, road networks, land use, and constraints—to evaluate where a solution would work best. For example, when selecting a site for a new school, the tool analyzes where people live, how long it would take to reach each candidate site, and how accessible those sites are by roads or transit. It can also include constraints like zoning and environmental factors and produce a suitability map or ranking to guide the decision. The other options don’t fit because they describe non-spatial data storage, decorative map creation, or a hardware device for field measurement, none of which offer spatial analysis and decision support in a GIS framework.