Geographic Information Systems
From Govit
A GIS is a ststem for capturing, storing, analyzing, managing, displaying and cross-referencing or associating data and any attributes connected to that data. This information is spatially referenced to the Earth. Sometimes GIS also is referred to as a geospatial information system.
A GIS also can be a tool that allows users to create interactive or location-related queries. This can be as simple as map coordinates or as complex as interfacing with real-time data that has a geospacial element. [1]
The concept of GIS has been around for years via visual representations of information shown on maps charts and timelines. But computerized GIS solutions have been in development since the 1960s.
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Government GIS
The Census Department's Tiger Database is provides foundational map coordinates at the street level. This database is used as the foundational map element in many GIS systems.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers a broad rangs of maps, surveys and referenced data sets. Via referenced data sets, the organization references water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping, by collecting, monitoring, analyzing, and provided scientific understanding about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.
- Latest news from the Federal Geographic Data Committee (and other Geo groups).
Influential Organizations
The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) ofers a consensus process to develop publicly available geoprocessing specifications. It's an international industry consortium of 334 companies, government agencies and universities.
GIS Software
Traditionally, commercial software from organizations such as ESRI or Mapinfo have been very popular in the government space, though open source products, such as GRASS are gaining notice, as are mash-up solutions like Google Earth. Custom-built solutions are also common for special government or military applications.
GIS NEWS
Notes
1 From the What is GIS? entry, National Library of Medicine's TOXMAP site.
External Links
- Federal Geographic Data Committee — United States federal government standards agency.
- FreeGIS Master Index of Free GIS Software
- GIS Lounge — Informational site on GIS.
- GITA - Geospatial Information & Technology Association.
- NCGIA Core Curriculum in GIS — lecture notes for educators written by the National Center for Geographic Information Analysis (NCGIA).
- National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) — An organization committed to efficient and effective government through the prudent adoption of geospatial information technologies.
- Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc.
- Open Source GIS Master Index of Open Source GIS Software
- USGS GIS Poster — Frequently cited "What is GIS" poster.
- GISWiki.NEWS.Reader