Geographic Information System - GIS

What is GIS

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 GIS as including the procedures, operating personnel, and spatial data that go into the system.

History

What is now GIS began around 1960 with the discovery that maps could be represented with simple computer programming code stored in a computer for later modification to the map. Early versions of GIS involved simple lines representing land features. Later, the concept of overlaying different map features on top of each other was used to investigate patterns and causes of spatial phenomenon.

Applications

GIS is a very important tool in modern management and development practices. It can be applied in the fields of:
Geography
Demographics
Land use
Utilities
Agriculture
Environment
Public health
Tourism
Safety and security

This is going to be the topic of my blog for the coming three months.

Laure Bashour