From trails to tombstones—custom maps are solving problems you didn’t know GIS could handle.
When you think of GIS, your mind might go straight to zoning maps, road layers, or tax parcels. And yes, it’s great for all those things—but that’s just the beginning.
At InteractiveGIS, we specialize in building web-based GIS platforms that are tailored to the unique needs of each client. And over the years, we’ve seen GIS transform some pretty surprising industries. Here are five unexpected places where custom mapping is making a big difference:
1. Cemetery Management
Yes, even cemeteries can go digital.
Managing burial plots with paper maps or spreadsheets can quickly become overwhelming. With a web-based GIS, cemetery staff can create an interactive map that marks each plot, records important details, and tracks availability in real time. Visitors can search for a loved one and navigate right to the correct location—no guesswork required. Maintenance crews benefit too, with visual records of plot conditions, landscaping needs, or upcoming reservations.
It’s a thoughtful use of technology that brings both clarity and dignity to an emotional process.
2. School Zoning and Emergency Preparedness
More than just drawing boundaries.
School districts use GIS to define attendance zones and balance enrollment across buildings. But the use cases go deeper than that. Some schools use interactive floor plans as part of their emergency preparedness strategies. With building layouts mapped into a centralized GIS, first responders can access up-to-date room locations, entry points, and emergency equipment—on any device, from anywhere.
InteractiveGIS offers the flexibility to manage both district-wide zoning maps and individual campus floor plans, all from a single platform.
3. Trail Mapping and Outdoor Recreation
Helping locals and tourists explore with confidence.
Communities with outdoor attractions—from nature preserves to greenways—are using GIS to map out trailheads, water features, and scenic overlooks. Some even drop 360-degree images onto the map so visitors can preview a trail before heading out.
When we build custom GIS layers for recreation, we focus on what visitors actually need: clear parking info, path difficulty ratings, bathroom locations, and hidden gems along the way.
It’s an easy way to make outdoor spaces more accessible and enjoyable—whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned local.
4. Disaster Response and Field Reporting
When time matters most, maps matter too.
During emergencies like floods, wildfires, hurricanes, or winter storms, GIS becomes a central hub for communication and decision-making. With a custom work order module, field crews can report damaged areas, blocked roads, or power outages directly from a mobile device. Back at the office, staff can view those reports in real time, assign tasks, and update statuses as conditions change.
InteractiveGIS supports this kind of responsive, real-world mapping so that your team isn’t stuck waiting on updates—they’re already acting on them.
5. Local Tourism Promotion
Put your community on the map—literally.
Towns with historic charm, unique businesses, or scenic byways often have a story to tell—but not always the digital tools to tell it. That’s where custom tourism maps come in. We’ve helped towns build interactive layers that showcase local restaurants, hiking spots, recreational areas, shops, museums, festivals, and more.
Add a photo, a short description, and a few categories for filtering, and you’ve created a whole new way for people to experience your area—before they even arrive.
A Flexible Tool for Real-World Challenges
At InteractiveGIS, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Our goal is to help communities, agencies, and businesses map what matters to them. Whether you’re managing road conditions or remembering loved ones, GIS can be shaped to support the work you do.
Want to explore a custom GIS project? Let’s talk about how we can build a platform that fits your community’s needs—no matter how unexpected.
