geographic information system
(foldoc) | Geographic Information System
(GIS) A computer system for capturing, storing,
checking, integrating, manipulating, analysing and displaying
data related to positions on the Earth's surface. Typically,
a GIS is used for handling maps of one kind or another. These
might be represented as several different layers where each
layer holds data about a particular kind of feature
(e.g. roads). Each feature is linked to a position on the
graphical image of a map.
Layers of data are organised to be studied and to perform
statistical analysis (i.e. a layer of customer locations could
include fields for Name, Address, Contact, Number, Area).
Uses are primarily government related, town planning, local
authority and public utility management, environmental,
resource management, engineering, business, marketing, and
distribution.
{GIS dictionary
(http://geo.ed.ac.uk/root/agidict/html/welcome.html)}.
(http://ncl.ac.uk/~ngraphic/wotzagis.html).
(1995-12-21)
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