WHAT IS GIS?
GIS is short for Geographic Information System. It is a collection of computer
software and information which is used for viewing, analysing, managing and
displaying geographical data.
In general, it allows users to search for information about specific geographical
areas, analyse spatial information, edit the data and create maps, charts and
reports that show users the results in visual forms.
GIS helps users to find answers to their questions and solve the problems by
presenting data in simple visual ways.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GIS?
The advantages of using a geographic information system include:
Improved decision making – decisions are made easier because specific
and detailed information is presented about one or more locations.
Reduce costs and increase efficiency – especially regarding maintenance
schedules, fleet movements or scheduling timetables.
Improved communication between any involved organisations or
departments as the visual format is easily understood by all.
Easy recordkeeping – geographical changes are easily recorded by GIS for
those responsible of recording the changes.
Managing geographically – knowing what is and will be occurring in a
geographic space in order to plan a course of action.
HOW IS GIS USED?
It allows people to see the world in a different way by mapping the position and
quantity of things, mapping the density of people and objects and mapping any
changes that occur. GIS also allows us to find out what is happening inside a
specific area or nearby to a specific area.
More specifically, GIS is used through:
Environmental Geography – to analyse the impact people have on the
environment.
Physical Geography – to study the elements of atmosphere, biosphere and
geosphere.
Emergency Management Information System – to give real time data to
emergency responders about the geographical layout.
Health Geography – to use geographical information to study health related
issues such as disease and illness.
Economic Geography – to study economic activities across the earth.
Transportation Geography – to investigate the spatial interactions of people
or things.
SOME HISTORY
GIS is linked closely to geography, cartography, and computer science history.
The modern computerised GIS we know today is attributed to Roger Tomlinson.
He was given the title of the ‘father of GIS’ due to his creation in the 1960’s of the
Canada Geographic System while working for the Canadian Government. This
was the first computerised geographic information system in the world.
In 1969 Jack Dangermond founded ESRI (Environmental Systems Research
Institute) to undertake land use analysis. Nowadays it is the largest GIS software
developer in the world.
Following are the applications of GIS (Geographical Information System).
• Retailers use GIS to pinpoint best locations for new stores and stock
items which matches local customer needs.
• It is used to predict consequences of global warming by conservation
organizations.
• GIS is used by electric utility companies to respond efficiently and
promptly about power outages.
• It is used by police to discover patterns in criminal activity.
• It is used for land use planning, landscape assessment and planning,
transportation and infrastructure planning, market analysis, facilities
management, real estate analysis and so on.
Benefits or advantages of GIS (Geographical
Information System)
Following are the benefits or advantages of GIS (Geographical
Information System):
➨GIS explores both geographical and thematic components of data in a
holistic way.
➨It allows handling and exploration of large volumes of data.
➨It allows integration of data from widely disparate sources.
➨It allows analysis of data to explicitly incorporate location.
➨It allows wide variety of forms of visualization such as maps, globes,
reports, charts etc.
➨GIS provides very accurate data.
➨It provides better predictions and analysis.
Drawbacks or disadvantages of GIS
(Geographical Information System)
Following are the drawbacks or disadvantages of GIS (Geographical
Information System):
➨GIS tools are expensive.
➨Learning curve on GIS software can be long.
➨It shows spatial relationships but does not provide absolute solutions.
➨Integration with traditional map is difficult.
➨It (Desktop GIS) requires efficient processor and higher storage space.
