Introduction to GIS

GIS (Geographic Information System) is a multi task tool, which stores a large volume of spatial and non-spatial data. This data can be retrieved, processed, analyzed to solve the geographical queries. It can also be used for various other purposes such as scientific investigations, Urban Planning, Environment Impact Assessment, cartography and criminology. It is also very useful in explaining events, predicting outcomes and planning strategies. In the words of famous author 'Marble' it is "A spatial data handling system" whereas another author 'Burrrough' described it as "A powerful set of tools for collecting, retrieving at well, transforming and displaying spatial data from the real world for specific set of purpose"

The fundamental factor of this system is Geo Referencing (describing location of an object in space in terms of earth coordinates). This if used with associated database can prove to be a great asset. The data is an organized collection of facts. The spatial data refers to "whereabouts of the things" whereas non-spatial data gives information about "what things are".

Canadian Geographic Information System was the first GIS System of the world. It was developed in 1960 and was the result of joint efforts of Canadian Geographic Information Center, US Bureau of Census and the US Geographical Survey, the Harvard Laboratory for computer graphics and Environs, Natural Experimental Research Center and the Department of Environment of UK.