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.

GIS is a relatively new field - it started in the 1970’s. It used to be that computerised GIS was only available to companies and universities that had expensive computer equipment. These days, anyone with a personal computer or laptop can use GIS software. Over time GIS Applications have also become easier to use - it used to require a lot of training to use a GIS Application, but now it is much easier to get started in GIS even for amateurs and casual users.