Geography Technology Geographic Information Systems GIS CGC 1

Geography & Technology Geographic Information Systems “GIS” CGC 1 D – Chapter 5

Geographic Information Systems “GIS” � Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a technology that manages, analyzes, and disseminates geographic knowledge. � Essentially, GIS is maps on computers. Each characteristic of the Earth’s surface is mapped on a layer which can be viewed independently, or in combination with other layers.

Geographic Information Systems “GIS”

Geographic Information Systems “GIS” � There are three ways of viewing a GIS: 1. database 2. map 3. model � The Database View: A GIS is a unique kind of database of the world—a geographic database (geodatabase). It is an "Information System for Geography. " Fundamentally, a GIS is based on a structured database that describes the world in geographic terms.

Geographic Information Systems “GIS” � GIS can analyze data in many ways:

Geographic Information Systems “GIS” � The Map View: A GIS is a set of intelligent maps and other views that show features and feature relationships on the earth's surface. Maps of the underlying geographic information can be constructed and used as "windows into the database" to support queries, analysis, and editing of the information. This is called geovisualization.

Geographic Information Systems “GIS” � The Model View: A GIS is a set of information transformation tools that derive new geographic datasets from existing datasets. These geoprocessing functions take information from existing datasets, apply analytic functions, and write results into new derived datasets

GIS –Locations and Attributes

Geographic Information Systems “GIS”

GIS –Asking Questions

GIS - Why Use It? � Support for decision-making based on � spatial data: ◦ Visual representation of data ◦ Maintenance, manipulation of data ◦ Analyze information and the affected area(s) geographically ◦ Produce customized cartographic products making based on

GIS – Real World Uses � Management � Agriculture � Public Utilities � Health Care � Emergency 911 � Real Estate � Marketing

GIS – Real World Uses

GIS – Real World Uses

GIS – Real World Uses

GIS – Real World Uses