What is
a GIS?
In brief, Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) is a state-of-the-art computer methodology for organizing and analyzing
spatial, map-based data. Unlike other cartographic tools, GIS integrates map making
with database management and statistical analysis. Results can be summarized in
tables or reports, and displayed as maps. With a few commands, vast amounts of
data can be summarized in visual, easily understood formats. GIS is widely used
to query, analyze, and map data to support decision-making. GIS has become a fundamental
tool for agricultural managers, scientists, land-use planners-and analysis and
problem solving. Today, GIS is a multi-billion-dollar industry employing
hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
Additional Resources are
found on the Digital Atlas GIS
Web Links page, and the Digital Tutorials page.