GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM

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Geographic Information System

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What is GIS?

Introduction

GIS is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analysing and displaying data related to positions on the Earth's surface. Typically, a Geographical Information System is used for handling maps of one kind or another. These might be represented as several different layers where each layer holds data about a particular kind of feature. Each feature is linked to a position on the graphical image on a map and a record in an attribute table. GIS can relate otherwise disparate on the basis of common geography, revealing hidden patterns, relationships, and trends that are not readily apparent in spreadsheets or statistical packages, often creating new information from existing data resources.

Hidden in most data is a geographical component: an address, postal code, census block, city, county, or latitude/longitude coordinate. With GIS, you can explore the spatial element of your data to display soil types, track crime patterns, analyze animal migration patterns, find the best location for an expanding business, model the path of atmospheric pollution, and make decisions for many types of complicated problems.

Other Definitions and Explanations of GIS

• More about GIS from ESRI
• The GIS Dictionary

GIS Presentations (.pdf format)

These presentations includes both introductory GIS material and an overview of its application to research in a particular discipline.

• GIS Basics and Humanities Research
• GIS in Health and Medical Research
• GIS in the Law School
• GIS and Archaeological Research
• GIS and Marine Biology Research
• GIS in the Business School