A geographical information system (GIS) is a technology that uses software and hardware to gather, store, process, link, index, analyse, and visualise geographic or terrestrial data.
The GIS system connects geographic data with analytical, descriptive, and processed information to create maps of various kinds, plus scientific and data-aggregation or data-focussing insights. This information helps people understand patterns, relationships, and obtain a geographic context.
GIS data often starts by gathering together mapping and ground-based data taken using satellite, drone, and aeroplane imaging, or by scanning street-level data in special ‘camera’ cars. Google Maps is an example of a GIS system.
Features of GIS:
- Zooming: Users can zoom in and out to different scales.
- Layers: Users can turn layers of information on and off.
- Adding data: Users can add data to the GIS.
- Sharing: GIS can be shared and viewed on mobile devices.