What is GIS?

Components of a Geographic Information System:

1. geography
2. a computer
3. data
4. a thinking operator - that's you!
   • GIS uses computers and software to explore the fundamental principle of geography - that location is important in people's lives.
   • Although geographic analysis and mapping are not new, a GIS performs these same tasks better, faster and more accurately than manual methods.
   
   
   • Combines the power of a database with the visualization capabilities of maps.
   • Stores, analyzes and displays specific information in its geographic relationship to the rest of the world by providing a unifying framework.
   • Presents many layers of information at one time.
   
   
   • GIS can answer location questions such as where, why and how.
   • Because GIS identifies patterns and trends that spreadsheets alone cannot portray, it can experiment with scenarios and present new ideas.
   • GIS technology can solve complicated problems in areas such as environmental protection, pollution, health care, land use, natural resources, conservation, business efficiency and education.

GIS is about finding patterns. Using GIS you can see patterns and trends that spreadsheets alone won't portray. The data is stored as a collection of "layers." Each layer could contain points, lines, areas, or text.

Background What Does GIS Do? How Is GIS Used?

 

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