POCATELLO - You've probably heard of GPS before, but the technology is no longer being used just to find someone's location.

At the World GIS Day at Idaho State University experts explained how digital maps can help with everything from law enforcement to ranching.

The idea is that geographic information systems (GIS) allow people to take data or information and turn it into a map so they can plan future projects, or track changes in an area. Dennis Hill, Pocatello GIS Coordinator said, "It's spilling into everything."

Where should you put a windmill so that the fewest number of people see it? Or how will a wildfire effect rangeland?

These questions are being answered with the help of GIS technology. Keith Weber, ISU GIS Director said, "What it is is digital maps. Things you can do on your computer, you know, hand-held computers to help you navigate or whatever it is."

Police dispatchers have started to use gis programs in order to track emergency crews and to make sure they're using the fastest routes.

And even though the technology is complex, it is becoming easier to work with. Weber said, "A lot of people are familiar with things like Google Earth that they go on the internet. A lot of people are also familiar with Tom Tom's, you know navigational aides. That is GIS."

GIS can also be used to help ranchers make sure they're putting cattle in the areas where they'll get the most out of their fields. Bonnie Preston, a WY rancher said, "We want to change our fences, and we want to better utilize our pastures and hopefully that'll help."

And the City of Pocatello has even started using gis to keep track of property lines, and the layout of utilities like sewer lines which help people planning new developments. Hill said, "And we're providing that date via the web to not only the residents of Pocatello, but interested parties in Pocatello, or people interested in developing in Pocatello.">

Right now GIS relies on satellites powerful enough to see golf balls on the ground. Next year a new one will be launched expected to increase resolution even more.