A nongovernmental organization (NGO) is a legally constituted organization that does not include any participation or representation by a government. NGOs have successfully used GIS technology for many years to help the environment and society. GIS technology enables organizations of all sizes in both the public and private sectors to take advantage of their geographic data—including NGOs that provide services and analysis at the local level as part of the civil society.

Conservation: GIS enhances NGOs' effectiveness with data collection, science-focused modeling, conservation planning, and the creation of maps and visualizations that support various efforts to conserve nature and manage natural resources.

Sustainable development: GIS supports many sustainable development efforts throughout the world, providing policy makers and planning agencies with visualization tools to manage growth and change.

Disaster response: NGOs actively use GIS to support their response to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes/cyclones, wildfires, and other disasters.

Social programs: For humanitarian, health, peacekeeping, and other social programs, GIS technology helps NGOs leverage limited resources and multiply the positive impact of benefits to individuals, families, and society.