GIS
GIS, or Geographic Information System, is a computer system for capturing, storing, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data. It uses layers of data about the Earth's surface—like streets, buildings, and elevation—to help users understand spatial patterns, relationships, and trends by creating connected maps and performing analyses. GIS is used for everything from urban planning and resource management to environmental assessments.
What it is: A computer-based tool for managing and analyzing geographically referenced information, which means data tied to a specific location on Earth. An organized collection of hardware, software, data, personnel, and methods.
What it does
Captures: Collects data that has a geographic component.
Stores: Manages data in a database that links spatial features (like points, lines, and polygons) with attributes (like a street's name or a building's address).
Analyzes: Performs spatial analysis to identify patterns, relationships, and trends.
Displays: Creates maps and other visualizations from the data, often by overlaying different data layers.
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