As a form of community mapping, geographic information system (GIS) technology can be used to map and display reported crime and predict future occurrences within a community.

• A. It can only map demographics
• B. True
• C. False
• D. It cannot predict future occurrences

Answer: (B)

Geographic information systems enable crime mapping and forecasting by layering crime data with geographic information to visualize where offenses cluster and how risk patterns emerge across space and time. This is why the statement is true: GIS isn’t limited to demographics; it can display reported crime on maps and apply spatial analysis to predict where future incidents may occur based on historical patterns and environmental factors. In practice, methods like hotspot analysis and kernel density estimation help identify high-crime areas, while predictive models estimate likely future locations. Remember, these forecasts are probabilistic and should be used with strong ethical safeguards to avoid bias and civil rights harms.