Maps are a very effective tool for resource management.
They assist in communication between resource managers, their colleagues and constituents. Maps help resource managers visualize where objects of interest are located, such as a stream. Once the stream is located on a map, resource managers can determine the relationship of identified objects, such as a species of plant, to the stream. This type of spatial analysis is possible with the use of maps created by a geographical information system. Georeferenced data corresponds to a place on the surface of the earth.