Lab #1b: GIS on the Web

What is GIS?:

1. "A geographic information system (GIS) integreates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information." 

http://www.gis.com/content/what-gis

2. "A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer software solution that enables managers to store, retrieve, and analyze data which are related to a particular location.
 http://foh.hhs./NYCU/EnvHealthGIS.asp

3. "A full definition of GI Science was provided in a report on a workshop held in January 1999 at the National Science Foundation, Geographic Information Science:" “Geographic Information Science (GIScience) is the basic research field that seeks to redefine geographic concepts and their use in the context of geographic information systems. GIScience also examines the impacts of GIS on individuals and society, and the influences of society on GIS. GIScience re-examines some of the most fundamental themes in traditional spatially oriented fields such as geography, cartography, and geodesy, while incorporating more recent developments in cognitive and information science. It also overlaps with and draws from more specialized research fields such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, and psychology, and contributes to progress in those fields. It supports research in political science and anthropology, and draws on those fields in studies of geographic information and society.” (Mark, 2000)
http://www.geog.buffalo.edu/~dmark/MARK_GISCI_BOOK.PDF

According to these definitions, GIS can stand for geographic information systems or geographical information science. Both definitions for geographical information systems include a source of technology used to gather data about space or a location that can be saved and accessed for various purposes. The definition for geographic information science is more broad, it includes geographic informatin systems and their impact on societies. Also included are the various fields that use geographic information science.

It seems as though, the definition for GIS changes slightly depending on who is using the system or science and for what purposes.

'REAL WORLD' USES OF GIS:

1.GIS can be used to design maps of borders between territories, topography of a land scape or infrastructure.

http://www.esri.com/library/brochures/pdfs/gis-for-national-mapping.pdf

2. It can be used by mining companies to locate areas rich in specific minerals.  http://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/geology/mineral/index.htm

3. GIS can also be used by different businesses to map out the demographics of communities and make decisions about what locations would provide them the greatest profits.
http://www.esri.com/industries/retail/index.html

MAPS & GIS DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES:

Maps-- can be drawn by hand; no specific materials are necessary to produce a map; anybody can create a map in any part of the world.

GIS-- is a technology; a person must be able to afford the technology necessary; GIS can be used to collect, store, and modify data.

Similarities-- both can be used to provide information about a specific location, to create a guide, and they both can be used by people to explore the environment and take advantage of available resources.