When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz first encountered geographic information systems, or GIS, as a high school geography teacher in the 1990s, he immediately recognized their potential. “I told my colleagues, ‘This is going to change the world,’” Walz mentioned during a conference in July 2024 for experts in spatial data technologies like GIS and GPS. This conference took place just weeks before Vice President Kamala Harris chose him as her running mate for the upcoming November 2024 presidential election. As professors specializing in geospatial technology and maritime studies at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, we can confirm that GIS has indeed transformed the world.
We have observed its growing significance across various sectors and anticipate this trend will persist. Before his political career, Walz taught geography in Alliance, Nebraska, and later at West High School in Mankato, Minnesota, where he was an early adopter of GIS. This technology allows users to visualize, analyze, and interpret data using maps. After attending a National Geographic Summer Institute, Walz introduced GIS to his students, teaching them how to merge geographic data with historical events, such as the Holocaust during World War II. By layering information on environmental factors like droughts and geopolitical issues like occupation and colonialism, they identified potential future genocide sites. Notably, Walz guided his students at Alliance High School in accurately forecasting the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
This experience profoundly impacted the students, inspiring many to join non-governmental organizations and work globally for change. As governor of Minnesota, Walz continued to use GIS. “As governor, using my mapping knowledge to explain complex issues and drive change is really important,” Walz stated at the geospatial conference. Walz is not the only American governor leveraging GIS insights to address complex issues. Nationwide, GIS has become vital for state governments. For instance, in California, former Governor Schwarzenegger promoted GIS for decision-making to fight wildfires and improve disaster preparedness. Similarly, in Massachusetts, former Governor Charlie Baker invested in GIS infrastructure to tackle the opioid crisis and expand high-speed internet in rural areas. These instances illustrate how GIS is being utilized across the U.S. to enhance public safety, resource management, and infrastructure planning. But what exactly is GIS? And how might Walz’s experience with GIS shape a Harris-Walz administration if they win the presidential election on November 5? At its essence, GIS is a key component of geospatial technology.
It involves tools and techniques for collecting, analyzing, and managing geographic data, which is then displayed as maps. Given Walz’s geography background, it’s no surprise he used it as governor to tackle Minnesota’s critical challenges. This was especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, where GIS was crucial in supporting the Minnesota Department of Health’s collaboration with other national bodies. This cooperation resulted in multiple public dashboards displaying key metrics like case counts, hospital capacities, and critical supply inventories. GIS also played a major role in more efficiently distributing school meals and conserving crucial wetlands. Walz also used GIS for expanding high-speed internet in rural areas and replacing lead pipes. Policy decisions are often influenced not just by varying opinions and goals within a government, but also by the geographical perspectives politicians bring. The importance of GIS extends beyond policy – it also helps address complex challenges, particularly in resource management.
Consider the oceans, where uncertain jurisdictional boundaries, climate change, and coastal communities’ vulnerability present significant challenges. In this scenario, GIS and maps are crucial for identifying and responding to threats to people and their livelihoods. From our work in marine environments, we have seen how GIS can enhance transparency and build trust among organizations, government officials, and community leaders. GIS can also assist officials in evaluating and prioritizing public policies. For example, when Minnesota introduced a tax credit program for families with children under 18 — especially for those too impoverished to file taxes — legislators used GIS to pinpoint communities with low tax-filing rates. Minnesota also provides extensive maps covering climate, jobs, workforce, and the economy. With the fall U.S. elections approaching, the new presidential administration will face significant challenges, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, addressing poverty, and resolving global conflicts.