This is a three part introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Part 1 - Basics of GIS
Part 2 - GIS in E-Governance
Part 3 - GIS in Business applications
Basics of GIS
What is GIS
GIS is a set of tools for collecting, storing, retrieving at will, transforming and displaying spatial data (data related to geographic locations) from the real world.
Essentially, GIS is geography in its high tech form.
Basics of GIS
GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. In a GIS, you start by linking a map on a computer with data of the area, so that the system gets to know the meaning of each polygon, line and dot in the map. After linking, you can use this map interactively to perform intelligent queries on the map.
GIS technology integrates common database operations such as query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps.
Why GIS
Information management is the key to success in any organization. Over 70% of data having geographical relevance, the significance of a GIS software in data management and decision making is enormous.
GIS enables you to
- Overlay information over geographic features.
- Perform proximity/criteria wise analysis.
- Perform Statistical and Tabular Analysis.
This technology holds tremendous potential for improving efficiency, credibility and profitability of any organization.