GIS Overview [Dec. 7, 2011, 9:13 p.m.]
Objectives: Understanding what GIS is and what it can be used for.
Keywords: GIS, Computer, Maps, Data, Information System, Spatial Analysis
Overview
Just as we use a word processor to write documents and deal with words on a computer, we can use a GIS application to deal with spatial information on a computer. GIS stands for ’Geographical Information System’. A GIS consists of:
- Digital Data - the geographical information that you will view and analyse using computer hardware and software.
- Computer Hardware - computers used for storing data, displaying graphics and processing data.
- Computer Software - computer programs that run on the computer hardware and allow you to work with digital data. A software program that forms part of the GIS is called a GIS Application.
With a GIS application you can open digital maps on your computer, create new spatial information to add to a map, create printed maps customised to your needs and perform spatial analysis.