GIS is a system of computer hardware, software,  data and personals to help manipulate, analyze and present information that is tied to a spatial location.

• System is a set of interdependent entities forming an integrated whole. A system has structure, behavior, interconnectivity. System in GIS involves the interdependent linking and function of software, hardware, data, method and personnel.

• Information is a message received and understood. In terms of data, it can be defined as a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn.  In GIS Information refers to the message of  a spatial location.

• Spatial Location means a geographical location, i.e., a place on the earth surface.

​

Simply put, a GIS combines layers of information about a place to give us a better understanding of that place. What layers of information will be combined depends on the purpose— such as finding the best location for a new store, analyzing environmental damage, viewing similar crimes in a city, and so on

​

What is not GIS?

• GPS: Stands for "Global Positioning System." GPS is a satellite navigation system used to determine ground position and velocity (location, speed, and direction)

• Remote Sensing: Remote sensing is the science (and to some extent, art) of acquiring information about the Earth's surface without actually being in contact with it.

• Software Package: ArcView, ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine

• Static Map: Paper or digital (maps are often a product of GIS)

​

GIS is built on knowledge of various academic disciplines which makes a new interdisciplinary science:

​

GIS Components: