Geographical information systems
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Contents |
Definition/short description
A Geographic Information System is a computer-based technology that mainly provides us with information about location by visualizing background information in digital maps. Most often associated with maps GIS is a worldwide used tool to work with geographic data. When using an online mapping program or adding data to an online mapping tool GIS is behind the layout. Referring to an online guide the GIS the program can be divided in three different ways of looking at it: geoprocessing, geovisualization and the geodatabase. In praxis the system is used in the following fields: environmental management, policy decision support, engineering and defence applications and scientific analysis and modelling.
In depth
The development of GIS is called geoprocessing. Existing information results in new derived datasets. Next to this GIS play a decisive role in geovisualisation. Here users worldwide are provided with information connected to the earth surface. Big advantages are linked to that. The application methods already listed in the introduction are showing that GIS is used in several fields. Individually the system can be applied even for holiday decisions - spontaneous or well planned.Searching for hotels or picking destinations – information provision plays a decisive role here. A fast development guarantees consumer satisfaction.
A digital atlas defined as the geodatabase combines basic information with support analysis, support queries and editing of information. Looking behind a data layer two different types of information are integrated. One part consists of attribute layers and the other one on spatial data. Functionality and presentation are the key words here. The information after capturing, storing, manipulating and analyzing finally becomes presented to the user. The system has a high dependency on primary sources due to the fact that the information is the gateway to success in the field of Geographic Information Systems. To name an example of a primary source, Global Positioning Systems (short: GPS) are strongly cooperative with GIS. The dependency on GPS satellites is crucial to mention here. Next to this sensing scanners and radars but also digital images are part of the information-filter process.
The possibilities of use have spread beyond the source discipline geography. Nowadays several applied sciences work with GIS. Physical and social science apply GIS when it comes to spatial data applications. The application range is wide - from simple thematic mapping for illustration purposes to mathematical modelling plus the representation of dynamic processes.
The relevance for eGovernment
Information provision is also a field where eGovernment operates in. Giving citizens the same start premises is major task to guarantee a diversity of knowledge. Especially in the field of urban policy making there are several fields of interest and operations for eGovernment. To name fields where services are already in use supported by GIS: Emergency planning, determination of optimal locations for fire stations, assistance in crime control and electoral and school redistricting. Different kinds of Public agencies can operate together due to digital information provision.
Examples
When reading the text above(relevance for eGovernment) a lot of examples are listed. In addition to that the sources (links and books) are a valuable provision of examples as well.
Sources, further reading, links
- [1] A guideline to GIS
- [2] answers.com linked to wiki answers
- David E. Davis, GIS for everyone, Third Edition, Esri Press, 2003, 978-1589480568
- Juliana Maantay, John Ziegler, GIS for the Urban Environment, First Edition, Esri Press, 2006, 978-1589480827
- Cory Fleming, The GIS Guide for Local Government Officials, First Edition, Esri Press, 2005, 978-1589481411
Related Case study pages
System Development for Geographic Information Systems: A case study analysis
Related Educational Pages
- [3] Learn how to use GIS
