What is GIS?

Question

I know it stands for Geographical Information Systems but what is it about? Where is it used? What can you do with it?....

Answer 1

As a retired instructor of GIS, I've been asked to explain what it is many times, and always found a short answer hard to come up with. Simply put, GIS is a computer mapping system combining a database linked to mapped features. All physical features exist at a location. The database, linked to physical location, can be used to ask questions about the relationships between various physical items, for example a road network and the location of fire stations. This is done through the creation of computer map layers of themed items. In this instance the locations of fire stations would be plotted in one layer and the road network in another. Questions could be asked, such as "Where is the furthest location in the road network from a fire station?" and answers retrieved based on SPATIAL characteristics.

The beauty of using this approach to storing information lies in that universal spatial attribute. The above example could be the beginning of a municipal GIS. Additional layers could be added such as schools, sewers, police stations, business locations, land parcels, etc. That done, complex information can be retrieved to answer a multitude of questions, such as "What businesses tend to have crimes committed nearby?" Anything with a spatial attribute is fair game if you have the information, and today's sophisticated systems can answer some very complex questions, such as "What is the quickest route for an ambulance to a house at rush hour, and which one should I send?" Computers have only recently been able to have the power to deal with these sort of variation-with-time problems, but I think the above example shows the utility.

So, how can you use GIS? Anything using time and space to ask questions and retrieve answers can be the domain of a GIS. From finding the best place for a new Starbucks to targeting battlefield weapons, it's all possible. You just need the information to ask "where, when, and what if" sorts of questions. The availability and quality of that information is usually the limiting factor of what you can do with a GIS.

Answer 2

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that records, stores, and analyzes information about the features that make up the earth's surface. A GIS can generate two- or three-dimensional images of an area, showing such natural features as hills and rivers with artificial features such as roads and power lines. Scientists use GIS images as models, making precise measurements, gathering data, and testing ideas with the help of the computer.

Answer 3

you can make maps, you can upload statistical info from public databases like population or wheat concentration and get shaded maps with the info. Can also create routes and use analysis to determine how much population is affected and stuff like that.

Answer 4

we use it alot in our office. it's a mapping system that allows you to see many layers of information at the same time.

UPDATE: My answer is not cut and pasted in here, but the way. (see below)

Answer 5

i thought its, GIs