A GIS is a computer system capable of capturing, storing, analyzing,
and displaying geographically referenced information; that is,
data identified according to location. Practitioners also define
a GIS as including the procedures, operating personnel, and spatial
data that go into the system. Geographic information system (GIS)
technology can be used for scientific investigations, resource
management, and development planning. For example, a GIS might
allow emergency planners to easily calculate emergency response
times in the event of a natural disaster, or a GIS might be used
to find wetlands that need protection from pollution. |