02 / DATA & ANALYSIS
Where AI fits in a GIS workflow
Use AI to clarify analysis steps while keeping the spatial data and validation visible.
Define the question first
Before asking AI for GIS code, specify the design question, study area, unit of analysis, input layers, coordinate system, and expected output. A question such as “Which blocks have limited access to shade?” needs a definition of shade and a distance or time threshold.
Give AI a narrow task
Ask for a short script to inspect fields, check geometry validity, or calculate one variable at a time. Include sample column names and the software version. Run the script on a small area before applying it to the full dataset.
Verify spatial results
Check coordinate systems, units, missing geometries, joins, and at least a few values against the original map. A plausible map can still be wrong if a distance was calculated in degrees or a join duplicated features.
Write these checks into your article or project notes. A reader should be able to see which input produced each map and which decisions were made by the designer.