| Q: |
Describe Geographic Information Systems.
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| A: |
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
are intelligent computer-mapping systems used to apply
spatially referenced data and associated attribute data
to a variety of scientific, management planning/decision making,
and administrative activities.
The GIS industry revolves around the gathering, processing,
distributing, analyzing, storing and maintaining of scientific
and managerial data that possess a uniquely defining
characteristic - geographic location. Geographic data
can be divided into two categories: spatial data and attribute
data. Spatial data concerns worldly features that can be
represented on a map or graphic display, while attribute
data describes data using a text format.
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| Q: |
What are some examples of geographic data? |
| A: |
Examples of geographic data
include road maps, soils maps, parcel ownership maps,
cable locations, underground utilities, nautical charts
and street or town indices. |
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| Q: |
How was the GIS industry formed? |
| A: |
Developed in the early 1960's by Roger Tomlinson,
GIS was originally used under a contract with the Canadian government
for analyzing data for natural resource preservation.
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| Q:
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How do GIS programs work? |
| A: |
GIS programs work by connecting information stored in a
computer database to points on a map. Information is displayed in layers, with each
succeeding layer laid over the preceding ones, like transparent sheets on
an overhead projector. The resulting maps often reveal trends or patterns
that might be missed if the same information was presented in a spreadsheet. |
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| Q: |
What components comprise a GIS? |
| A: |
Three basic integrated components comprise a GIS:
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Computer-graphic facility - Enables easy manipulation of digital cartographic data on an image of a map.
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Database management system (DBMS) - Enables the system to store, organize, sort, update and retrieve both spatial and attribute data.
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Spatial data analyses - Determines whether the database is topologically structured - a sign of a "true" GIS. Topology imparts a high degree of intelligence to a GIS by establishing logical linkages between the various graphic elements in the database. Topology enables the system to "know" if, for example, a point exists to the left or to the right of a line segment.
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| Q: |
What is the value of GIS? |
| A: |
The value of GIS lies in its ability to
convert geographical data to useful and timely information for people
to do their jobs. The key benefit is its ability to substantially
improve information and to increase the cost-effectiveness of a company's
day-to-day operations. |
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| Q: |
How is GIS shaping today's businesses? |
| A: |
Used exclusively in the past by the traditional scientific
community, GIS is becoming more accepted by today's mainstream businesses.
Firefighters use geographic information to track potential damage along the
path of forest fires, and conservation groups use it to assess the potential
hazards caused by environmental changes. Within the last few years, law
enforcement agencies around the country have begun using GIS to display,
analyze and even fight crimes. Whether it is to stay on the trail of drug
gangs, locate stolen car parts, or pin down serial sex offenders, GIS software
gives police officers the power to sort and rearrange reams of data to
find a pattern. |
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| Q: |
Name some examples of business applications that would benefit from GIS. |
| A: |
Examples of business applications that benefit from utilizing locational data include:
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Target Marketing
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Competitive Analysis
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Delivery/Distribution
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Direct MailForecasting
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Market Research
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Customer Service
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Emergency Notification
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Asset Management
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- Private Security
- Sales Force Automation
- Business Research
- Database Marketing
- Fleet Management
- Logistics
- Property Management
- Demographic Analysis
- Facility Management
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