Geographic Information Systems Essay Example for Free

Geographic Information Systems Essay Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information (gis. com, 2006). GIS uses geography to help problem solve for businesses and governments. By inputting the layers of geography information one is requesting, GIS becomes much more than just a map. One can use GIS to perform many functions such as â€Å". . . choosing sites, targeting market segments, planning distribution networks, responding to emergencies, or redrawing county lines. . (gis. com, 2006). † GIS is a structured database that describes the world in geographic terms. The database can be used to formulate geovisualization and geoprocessing depending on the information desired. There are three views of GIS (gis. com, 2006): 1. Database view: describes the world in geographic terms. 2. Map view: intelligent maps that show features and feature relationships on the earth’s surface. 3. Model view: derives new geographic datasets from existing datasets. GIS output can be used in many different ways. One example is in the banking industry. A bank can us GIS to show the geographic distribution of the bank’s network in relation to deposit potential in a specified region. This analysis can tell the bank where coverage is strong and where it is weak and can be used in planning for future business expansion. The feedback is in real time and very accurate, not a result of months of manual assessment. GIS is a functional and valuable tool for modern business. GIS is an information system that allows critical geographical information to be analyzed and put to immediate use in many different businesses such as emergency medical systems and NASA.