What is the main purpose of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?

The main purpose of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is to capture, analyze, and manage spatial and geographic data. GIS serves as a powerful tool that allows users to visualize and interpret various forms of data related to geography. This encompasses the ability to integrate different types of data and produce maps that help in understanding patterns, relationships, and trends over space.

By capturing spatial information, GIS enables the analysis of geographic phenomena, thereby providing insights that can influence decision-making in a wide array of fields such as urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, and many more. The management aspect refers to the system's capability to handle large datasets efficiently, ensuring that the information is organized and accessible for various analyses.

While the other options touch on aspects that may be related to GIS functionality, they do not encompass the core objectives of the system. Storing data for academic purposes, facilitating communication among users, or promoting social interaction are supplementary roles that may arise from GIS usage, but they do not capture the essence of GIS's primary function in relation to spatial analysis and data management.