Since 2016, The Economist has used a geographic information system (GIS) to create most of the maps it publishes in print and online. GIS is a mapping tool that allows us to visualise and manage spatial data quickly and accurately. That is crucial for articles that may have a quick turnaround, such as our Daily charts or Explainers. GIS also allows us to discover and analyse geographical patterns and relationships. To create the dozen or so maps published each week, we source GIS maps and data, which we then load into QGIS—our preferred mapping software.