Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capture and analyze data linked to location, serving as a powerful resource for analyzing spatial patterns in data. The Enterprise Initiative utilizes GIS technology to understand how the processes of wealth creation and enterprise development are functioning in specific countries.

A GIS system is capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, and displaying geographically referenced information. These systems often use information from many data sources and data in many different forms to help researchers link information through analysis. This process can be difficult, if not impossible, through other means of analysis. With GIS, a researcher can produce graphics such as maps that convey results in a visual format.

The Enterprise Initiative makes resources available to researchers and policymakers through a web-based interface that allows for spatial analysis of selected developing countries. For more information on this tool, please click the Data Exploration Web Tool link below.

Data Exploration Web Tool

To learn more about the spatial tools utilized in the Initiative's research and to access a publicly available version, please visit http://enterpriseinitiative.org/Arete/GISLecture.aspx.

Selected Readings

For a brief list of publications utilizing GIS technology in their analysis of wealth creation and enterprise, please visit http://enterpriseinitiative.org/Arete/GISReading.aspx.