GIS which stands for Geographical Information Systems is the
combination of several technological fields that provides various ways
to analyze data and display the results on a map in the form of points,
lines and polygons. Information can be collected from one source, and
then combined with the data from a second map layer. The new combined
data can then be analyzed and processed in order to view new patterns
and trends.
This combined information can provide a wealth of new information that might not have been available from just one single layer. For example, you can use a density map to view the number of cell phones in an area, and then combine that data with another layer showing the number of cell phone towers in order to find the best place to install a new tower. Will the new proposed tower area get good reception? To find out just add a third layer, such as an elevation map, and discover if the proposed area is on a hill or in a valley.
As you can see, being able to combine and analyze layer information from several sources helps reveal hidden information on a map. This information might otherwise be difficult to visualize by people in other forms such as in a graph or chart.
You can also use GIS to analyze environmental issues and impacts. By combining hydrography data with soil data you can determine what kind of materials, such as agriculture fertilizer and pesticides, might be leeching into the rivers and streams. This can help you determine what direction the run off will go, and what the impact of the run off will be on the environment down stream. Will it affect the fish population? Add a conservation map and find out. Maybe you want to know how near by communities be affected by the pollution. To find out just combine the data with a census map to see who is using the water, and what they are using it for.
GIS provides a solid framework for building and combining cartography, which is map making, with geospatial data, which is georeferenced information based on that area and stored in a database. With this new information it is possible to provide detailed solutions and solve complex problems that might have otherwise remained unknown to people. Geographical information systems is rapidly gaining acceptance in a wider range of fields of research, and is being used by an ever growing number of professionals as more people learn about the many benefits that GIS provides.
This combined information can provide a wealth of new information that might not have been available from just one single layer. For example, you can use a density map to view the number of cell phones in an area, and then combine that data with another layer showing the number of cell phone towers in order to find the best place to install a new tower. Will the new proposed tower area get good reception? To find out just add a third layer, such as an elevation map, and discover if the proposed area is on a hill or in a valley.
As you can see, being able to combine and analyze layer information from several sources helps reveal hidden information on a map. This information might otherwise be difficult to visualize by people in other forms such as in a graph or chart.
You can also use GIS to analyze environmental issues and impacts. By combining hydrography data with soil data you can determine what kind of materials, such as agriculture fertilizer and pesticides, might be leeching into the rivers and streams. This can help you determine what direction the run off will go, and what the impact of the run off will be on the environment down stream. Will it affect the fish population? Add a conservation map and find out. Maybe you want to know how near by communities be affected by the pollution. To find out just combine the data with a census map to see who is using the water, and what they are using it for.
GIS provides a solid framework for building and combining cartography, which is map making, with geospatial data, which is georeferenced information based on that area and stored in a database. With this new information it is possible to provide detailed solutions and solve complex problems that might have otherwise remained unknown to people. Geographical information systems is rapidly gaining acceptance in a wider range of fields of research, and is being used by an ever growing number of professionals as more people learn about the many benefits that GIS provides.
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