What is GIS?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a system comprised of hardware, software, data, and people. GIS is also known as a system for creating, storing, analyzing, and managing spatial data and associated attributes. It is a computer system capable of integrating, storing, editing, analyzing, sharing, and displaying geographically referenced information.

What is the importance of having a GIS?

GIS can assist emergency management teams in locating correct addresses, as well as determining how many residential structures are within a fire district. GIS can benefit businesses and government by geographically displaying data that is normally represented by rows and columns. The possibilities of GIS are endless

What does having a GIS do for the average person?

The average person relies on GIS for a number of decision making processes. These processes include getting efficient services such as weather forecasts, efficient Enhanced 9-1-1 response, driving directions from Internet sites, and various other services. Though the average person is not 'pushing the buttons' in the system, GIS data and processes are providing the average person with answers.

What are the benefits over cost of GIS?

Benefits should be measured over time. Proper GIS applications provide intelligent planning for the most efficient use of resources. Because the information is digital, it also allows for continuous refinement, enhancement, and increased efficiency.

What various kinds of information are available through GIS?

Examples of GIS data include: Elevation, Transportation, Site Data, Soils, Hydrology, Geology, Ownership, and Imagery.

What is the difference between GIS and a map?

GIS is the application that compares the tabular data and illustrates the spatial relationships. It allows for selective analysis and informed decisions. The end results of the various analyses are usually illustrated as 'maps.' A map is generally static and might be thought of as a cartographic output. Once created, the map does not provide any additional information. Conversely, GIS is an integrated system that enables a user to ask numerous questions of a database and visualize the answers.

What are some non-map generation uses of GIS?

GIS can be used to create charts and graphs of databases to verify the quality of the database. These processes can also be performed in standard spreadsheet packages. Ordinarily, GIS is used to map the database so one can visualize the location of events. Generally speaking, answers acquired from map analysis performed in a GIS could be concluded through standard database queries.

How can GIS be used to make decisions?

GIS is a planning tool. It combines known tabular data with spatial relationships to analyze the relationships and determine the most efficient use of limited resources. It can also be combined with modeling applications to determine 'what if' scenarios, or to compare results of applied resources or natural events over time.

How can GIS help my city/county?

GIS can assist a city or a county with a number of daily processes: planning, waste water/utilities, voting precincts, road/bridge maintenance, E-911, etc.