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Geographical
Information
System |
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Maps
have been used for thousands of years, but it is only within the
last few decades that the technology has existed to combine maps
with computer graphics and databases to create geographic
information systems or GIS.
GIS is an integration
of information, manpower, software and hardware. It is a system
to input, store, manipulate and to get the visual output of
spatial information. It is a class and combination of different
software to present information in digital format for Geographic
and Spatial analysis.
In
other words, GIS is a science of mapping information to solve
various kinds of real time problems. The system is also known as
Spatial Information System.
GIS
as a tool helps locate available information spatially. All the
information available on a particular area can be collated using
this tool. Thus, information which would otherwise be fragmented
can be viewed form a comprehensive shared database, enabling one
department to benefit from the work of another. The GIS data
collected once can be customised for varied purposes and used
many times.
Many government agencies are
utilizing GIS because it offers a way of understanding and
dealing with complex spatial problems by organizing the data,
viewing their spatial associations, performing multiple
analyses, and synthesizing results into maps and reports.
GIS technology is very useful,
allowing the public and many different departments access to the
same base maps and database. This means that each department
does not have to keep separate versions of other department's
maps and data in order to use them for their own agency's needs.
Features or attributes need to be modified and updated on only
one base map and database and then be shared by everyone.
Departments can portray mapped information at whatever scale
they require, using the colors or symbols they want and
accompany the maps with text and reports tailored to meet their
needs.
It
is estimated that approximately 80% of all information has a
"spatial" or geographic component. In other words, most
information is tied to a place. So when making decisions about
siting new facilities, creating hiking trails, protecting
wetlands, directing emergency response vehicles, designating
historic neighborhoods or redrawing legislative districts,
geography plays a significant role.
Add
the Internet, and GIS offers a consistent and cost-effective
means for the sharing and analysis of geographic data among
government agencies, private industry, non-profit organizations,
and the general public.
Answering Questions with GIS
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