1. Introduction

Geographic information system (GIS) is a highly useful tool in the decision-making process in the domain of physical, social, and economic space. GIS tools support the acquisition of spatial data from various sources, rapid processing of data, and the release of data in the desired form for multidisciplinary analyses, studies, and forecasts^[1]. GIS tools are used to collect, gather, edit, process, update, and release spatial data. They are most useful in the process of acquiring input data from various sources with the involvement of different methods and techniques, beginning from crude field data and moving to fully automated data acquisition systems that do not require human involvement. Data from various sources are processed to generate new information and products^[2].

2. Function

The main functions of GIS are the collection, verification, accumulation, integration, processing, and release of spatial data (information about geographic space). Users can combine descriptive data with information about the spatial location of the analyzed objects; they can generate thematic maps, conduct spatial analyses, and formulate conclusions. These functions are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. The scope, sources, and applicability of data for spatial analyses. Source: own elaboration.^[3]

Geographic information web portals were also a useful source of data for analysis. Data generated by Web Map Service (WMS) servers were used to create raster layers on the map of the analyzed objects, which supported detailed evaluations. Various types of data were processed with the use of appropriate tools and methods.

The main  principles for using spatial data and spatial analyses in the sustainable development of rural areas. The main research objective entailed the following detailed objectives. The procedure involved several steps, presented
in Figure 2. 
• To determine the scope, sources, and applicability of data for spatial analyses of phenomena relating to sustainable development.
• To identify the determinants of rural development in view of the main pillars of sustainable development.
• To determine the optimal directions of sustainable development in rural areas.
• To propose a practical approach for the use of spatial tools, methods, and analyses and to develop theoretical and practical procedures for the sustainable development of rural areas.

Figure 2. The procedure of using spatial data and spatial analyses in the sustainable development of rural areas. ^[3]

The Geographic Information System supports the integration of various types of data obtained from numerous sources and stored in different formats. The quality of the collected, processed, and released data is visibly improved. The resulting information is easier to find and interpret, which supports the formulation of accurate conclusions. Various types of spatial data and databases can be processed with the use of GIS tools^[4][5].

GIS tools continue to evolve, which improves access to information and increases database managers’ awareness that highly accurate data are needed for spatial analyses.