Data visualization
Data visualization is often useful in identifying patterns and relationships when data are displayed from a geographic perspective. For example, a tabular report showing mortality rates of census block groups can be useful in identifying which specific block group have relatively high or low rates. When the block groups are depicted in a thematic map, however, sets of contiguous block groups with unusually high rates can be readily identified as being within close proximity to each other.
In another example, clusters of point can be readily identified by viewing them on a map, whereas a simple report listing would not reveal their proximity to one another.

Risk Communication
As a risk communication tool, GIS programs provide a method to take complex information and communicate it in an easy to understand format to the general public. The following are some typical applications:
Fire risk maps are often used to identify areas which are in close proximity or inside of areas at a high risk of brush fires. GIS programs are use to assign vegetation attributes and historical burn attributes to regions in order to arrive at probability of future fire risk.
Crime risk maps are created using historical crime reports by region. Areas with a high historical number of crime reports for violent crimes can be readily identified and communicated so that adequate precautions can be taken in those areas. In many cases, additional variable such as: time of day, days of the week, or types of locations (bars, convenience stores, etc.) where crimes are most likely to occur can also be graphically displayed or annotated to provide additional detail.

Travel Map are often used to communicate diseases which are endemic to certain areas. These can be useful to determine what types of preventative precautions should be taken and what vaccinations may be required when visiting those areas.