What is GIS?

Monday January 01st 2007
Filed Under Library 

This is probably the most asked question posed to those in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) field and is probably the hardest to answer in a succinct and clear manner.

GIS is a rapidly growing technological field that incorporates graphical features with tabular data in order to assess real-world problems. What is now the GIS field began around 1960, with the discovery that maps could be programmed using simple code and then stored in a computer allowing for future modification when necessary. This was a welcome change from the era of hand cartography when maps had to be painstakingly created by hand; even small changes required the creation of a new map. The earliest version of a GIS was known as computer cartography and involved simple linework to represent land features. From that evolved the concept of overlaying different mapped features on top of each other to determine patterns and causes of spatial phenomenon.

The capabilities of GIS are a far cry from the simple beginnings of computer cartography. At the simplest level, GIS can be thought of as a high-tech equivalent of a map. However, not only can paper maps be produced far quicker and more efficiently, the storage of data in an easily accessible digital format enables complex analysis and modeling not previously possible. The reach of GIS expands into all disciplines and has been used for such widely ranged problems as prioritizing sensitive species habitat to determining optimal real estate locations for new businesses.

The key word to this technology is Geography - this usually means that the data (or at least some proportion of the data) is spatial, in other words, data that is in some way referenced to locations on the earth. Coupled with this data is usually data known as attribute data. Attribute data generally defined as additional information, which can then be tied to spatial data. An example of this would be schools. The actual location of the schools is the spatial data. Additional data such as the school name, level of education taught, school capacity would make up the attribute data. It is the partnership of these two data types that enables GIS to be such an effective problem solving tool.

GIS operates on many levels. On the most basic level, GIS is used as computer cartography, i.e. mapping. The real power in GIS is through using spatial and statistical methods to analyze attribute and geographic information. The end result of the analysis can be derivative information, interpolated information or prioritized information.

Other quotes to answer “What is GIS?”

“In the strictest sense, a GIS is a computer system capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, and displaying geographically referenced information, i.e. data identified according to their locations. Practitioners also regard the total GIS as including operating personnel and the data that go into the system.” USGS“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 common database operations such as query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps.” ESRI

“GIS is an integrated system of computer hardware, software, and trained personnel linking topographic, demographic, utility, facility, image and other resource data that is geographically referenced.” NASAGIS has already affected most of us in some way without us even realizing it. If you’ve ever using an Internet mapping program to find directions, congratulations, you’ve personally used GIS. The new supermarket chain on the corner was probably located using GIS to determine the most effective place to meet customer demand.Components of GIS

This article has briefly explained what GIS is. The next step in understanding GIS is to look at each component of GIS and how they work together. These components are:

Hardware

Hardware comprises the equipment needed to support the many activities of GIS ranging from data collection to data analysis. The central piece of equipment is the workstation, which runs the GIS software and is the attachment point for ancillary equipment. Data collection efforts can also require the use of a digitizer for conversion of hard copy data to digital data and a GPS data logger to collect data in the field. The use of handheld field technology is also becoming an important data collection tool in GIS. With the advent of web-enabled GIS, web servers have also become an important piece of equipment for GIS.

Software

Different software packages are important for GIS. Central to this is the GIS application package. Such software is essential for creating, editing and analyzing spatial and attribute data, therefore these packages contain a myriad of GIS functions inherent to them. Extensions or add-ons are software that extends the capabilities of the GIS software package. For example, Xtools is an ArcView extension that adds more editing capabilities to ArcView 3.x. Component GIS software is the opposite of application software. Component GIS seeks to build software applications that meet a specific purpose and thus are limited in their spatial analysis capabilities. Utilities are stand-alone programs that perform a specific function. For example, a file format utility that converts from on type of GIS file to another. There is also web-GIS software that helps serve data through Internet browsers.

Data

Data is the core of any GIS. There are two primary types of data that are used in GIS. A geodatabase is a database that is in some way referenced to locations on the earth. Geodatabases are grouped into two different types: vector and raster. Coupled with this data is usually data known as attribute data. Attribute data generally defined as additional information, which can then be tied to spatial data. Documentation of GIS datasets is known as metadata.

People

Well-trained people knowledgeable in spatial analysis and skilled in using GIS software are essential to the GIS process. There are three factors to the people component: education, career path, and networking. The right education is key; taking the right combination of classes. Selecting the right type of GIS job is important. A person highly skilled in GIS analysis should not seek a job as a GIS developer if they haven’t taken the necessary programming classes. Finally, continuous networking with other GIS professionals is essential for the exchange of ideas as well as a support community.

[ Hardware ] - [ Software ] - [ Data ] - [ Education ] - [ Career ] - [ Networking ]





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    Comments

    18 Responses to “What is GIS?”

    1. Open GIS : GIS Lounge - Geographic Information Systems on December 10th, 2007 8:52 pm

      [...] What is GIS? [...]

    2. Lawrence NFOR on December 20th, 2007 5:16 am

      Hi There,
      I guess it is very nice to know that you have so much information with accuracy on your webpage. I am a student in GPS-GIS modelling and I would love to be an integral part of your plan if you would like to involve someone remotely in your program - maybe a volunteer data clerk would be okay. Thanks so much. I am still on your webpage.

      Larry.

    3. ramadhan on December 24th, 2007 2:12 am

      Please tell me two things concerning on GIS as folloows:-
      1) a multidIsciplinary of GIS
      2) a historical development of platform

    4. Asser Swelam on December 27th, 2007 9:25 pm

      The GIS is our future.

      GIS is serving our world, i hope every man kind, countries, governments and companies realize that…

      Asser

    5. chanda Albert on January 11th, 2008 12:38 pm

      The power of GIS can not be underestimated and easily understood such that every sector has come to embrace it.

    6. Nathaniely Jacob on February 1st, 2008 1:32 am

      I like much the subject of GIS. I’m a graduate from Ardhi University in Tanzania. currently I am working in Green Resouces Limited in the department of GIS and Mapping.

      Your notes are good and I am impresed on it,if you can send me some more materials please and books.

      And I want to do masters in Geospartial Information so i will be more advanced on it.

      Thanks

    7. pat smith on February 3rd, 2008 10:12 pm

      GIS is an information system used in the making of maps; it is information on the geography of the earth; it is using established resources and expounding with additional information and it is also used in several fields of research. In addition, it is used locally with the taxing entities of our county, such as the sanitation district, fire departments, etc.

    8. Chinguile,Max on February 26th, 2008 2:29 am

      I real enjoy your GIS notes, they are good but not enough to make a person real interested on GIS to understand much of it.What is real about this GIS! I mean where does it come from and its development with regard to its demand in the field of world spatial analysis,”it’s purposes” I’m sure you can make it.

    9. Binta Sam on February 28th, 2008 11:55 am

      This is really fascinating to have a wonderful field of study like GIS which is focusing towards solving our world from dangers of degradation of our resources at an alarming rate.

      Am a student of Environmental Management at Makerere University but i look foward to Master in GIS as an open door to our technological future.

    10. ogechi on March 5th, 2008 11:00 am

      Am a student of Geography and environmental management in the university of Port Harcourt Nigeria. The notes here are very wonderful and simplified i have really gained a lot reading them. I would love to have books on GIS or journals to current happenings in GIS as i have no acess to textbooks.

    11. muchiri michael on March 7th, 2008 3:37 am

      hey!
      In regard to conceptualization of GIS,Why use the overhead projector?
      do we also have a standard defination of GIS?
      What is NOT a GIS? Since it is a system consisting of many aspects ie. its not just a map, softwares, hardwares, personell, etc.
      what is it then?
      otherwise, GIS is an intersting field to just ignore.

      Thanks.

    12. Lourence Kaxuxuena on March 11th, 2008 6:53 am

      I am in employed in the GIS departnment and also student in GIS. I hope your web will be much of assistance to me.

    13. Otaru Mustapha on March 17th, 2008 4:12 am

      I’m really fasinated about the current world where GIS is playing a central role in major areas of decision making. i must confess it’s being very wonderful.

      I am a student of MGIS in University Of Lagos, Nigeria. I wish to request if possible, for materials like text book, CDs, journals and all sort related to GIS that will help me develop more on my academic pursuit from any quarter please. i can be reached through my mail - mustapo@mtnnigeria.net - anytime.Thanks

    14. phemi on March 27th, 2008 4:11 am

      i really enjoy ur article on GIS but want to know if any developing counties can really benfited from GIS,and what are the chances of making it known to other countries to embak on.i am a graduate of geography and regional planning dept from Ambrose alli university but will go for my masters in GIS.thnk u

    15. Binta Sam on March 31st, 2008 5:45 am

      Everyday life will one day rotate on GIS.
      Because GIS soon if not now has the ability to explain the geograpical phenomenon and compares the past with the present so that the future will be predicted on easily.

      GIS as a science tool gives us an idea on which measures we ought take in order to mitigate the likely adverse phenomenon as a result of our interaction with nature.

    16. sachin tomar on April 17th, 2008 8:43 am

      very good website to learn about GIS.It’s a very easieast way for learning to a beginer.

    17. Utkarsh Srivastava on May 19th, 2008 3:41 am

      I’m currently working on a GIS project and seriously… this site Rocks!!!
      It nicely explaines the core aspects of GIS.
      For a beginner, it’s good. But still leaves a lot to work upon for someone working the depths of the subject.
      I just hope to see some more information regarding the subject in the near future..

    18. amit on June 4th, 2008 12:17 am

      i m graguate in electrical engg: my project based on gis it really enjoy ur article on GIS but want to know if any developing counties can really benfited from GIS,and what are the chances of making it known to other countries .

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