Geographical Information Systems

9 Pages 2130 Words

Geographical Information Systems

What Is a GIS?
A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing things that exist and events that happen on earth. GIS technology integrates, via the Internet, common database operations such as query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps. These abilities distinguish GIS from other information systems and make it valuable to a wide range of public and private enterprises for explaining events, predicting outcomes, and planning strategies. This would be a very tedious and slow process without the speed and efficiency of the Internet. The Internet allows huge global companies to maintain a single database that can be accessed from branches around the world and maintained locally free from manipulation.
The major challenges we face in the world today--overpopulation, pollution, deforestation, and natural disasters have a critical geographic dimension. Whether siting a new business, finding the best soil for growing bananas, or figuring out the best route for an emergency vehicle, local problems also have a geographical component. With the use of the Internet, companies will have the power to create maps, integrate information, visualize scenarios, solve complicated problems, present powerful ideas, and develop effective solutions like never before. GIS is a tool used by individuals and organizations, schools, governments, and businesses seeking innovative ways to solve their problems.
Mapmaking and geographic analysis are not new, but a GIS performs these tasks better and faster than do the old manual methods. And, before Internet technology, only a few people had the skills necessary to use geographic information to help with decision-making and problem solving.
Today, GIS is a multibillion-dollar industry employing hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. GIS is taught in schools, colleg...