COMPONENTS
OF A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
OF A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
A working Geographic Information System seamlessly
integrates five key components: hardware, software, data, people, and methods.
integrates five key components: hardware, software, data, people, and methods.
H A R D W A R E
Hardware includes the computer on which a GIS
operates, the monitor on which results are displayed, and a printer for making
hard copies of the results. Today, GIS software runs on a wide range of
hardware types, from centralized computer servers to desktop computers used in
stand-alone or networked configurations. The data files used in GIS are
relatively large, so the computer must have a fast processing speed and a large
hard drive capable of saving many files. Because a GIS outputs visual results,
a large, high-resolution monitor and a high-quality printer are recommended.
operates, the monitor on which results are displayed, and a printer for making
hard copies of the results. Today, GIS software runs on a wide range of
hardware types, from centralized computer servers to desktop computers used in
stand-alone or networked configurations. The data files used in GIS are
relatively large, so the computer must have a fast processing speed and a large
hard drive capable of saving many files. Because a GIS outputs visual results,
a large, high-resolution monitor and a high-quality printer are recommended.
S
O F T W A R E
O F T W A R E
GIS software provides the functions and tools needed
to store, analyze, and display geographic information. Key software components
include tools for the input and manipulation of geographic information, a
database management system (DBMS), tools that support geographic query,
analysis, and visualization, and a graphical user interface (GUI) for easy
access to tools. The industry leader is ARC/INFO, produced by Environmental
Systems Research, Inc. The same company produces a more accessible product,
ArcView, that is similar to ARCINFO in many ways.
to store, analyze, and display geographic information. Key software components
include tools for the input and manipulation of geographic information, a
database management system (DBMS), tools that support geographic query,
analysis, and visualization, and a graphical user interface (GUI) for easy
access to tools. The industry leader is ARC/INFO, produced by Environmental
Systems Research, Inc. The same company produces a more accessible product,
ArcView, that is similar to ARCINFO in many ways.
D
A T A
A T A
Possibly the most important component of a GIS is
the data. A GIS will integrate spatial data with other data resources and can
even use a database management system, used by most organizations to organize
and maintain their data, to manage spatial data. There are three ways to obtain
the data to be used in a GIS. Geographic data and related tabular data can be
collected in-house or produced by digitizing images from aerial photographs or
published maps. Data can also be purchased from commercial data provider.
Finally, data can be obtained from the federal government at no cost.
the data. A GIS will integrate spatial data with other data resources and can
even use a database management system, used by most organizations to organize
and maintain their data, to manage spatial data. There are three ways to obtain
the data to be used in a GIS. Geographic data and related tabular data can be
collected in-house or produced by digitizing images from aerial photographs or
published maps. Data can also be purchased from commercial data provider.
Finally, data can be obtained from the federal government at no cost.
P
E O P L E
E O P L E
GIS users range from technical specialists who
design and maintain the system to those who use it to help them perform their
everyday work. The basic techniques of GIS are simple enough to master that
even students in elementary schools are learning to use GIS. Because the
technology is used in so many ways, experienced GIS users have a tremendous
advantage in today’s job market.
design and maintain the system to those who use it to help them perform their
everyday work. The basic techniques of GIS are simple enough to master that
even students in elementary schools are learning to use GIS. Because the
technology is used in so many ways, experienced GIS users have a tremendous
advantage in today’s job market.
M
E T H O D S
E T H O D S
A successful
GIS operates according to a well-designed plan and business rules, which are
the models and operating practices unique to each organization.
GIS operates according to a well-designed plan and business rules, which are
the models and operating practices unique to each organization.
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