COMPONENTS OF A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
A working Geographic Information System seamlessly 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.
S 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.
D 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.
P 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.
M 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.