A geographic information system (GIS) is a method of cataloguing, tracking, or using geographic information for a specific purpose. It can be a computer-based model of a specific area of real terrain and typically contains non-geographic information. GIS was born in the 1960s when the Canadian Department of Forestry and Rural Development developed the Canada Geographic Information System (CGIS). Data entered into a GIS typically comes from publicly accessible databases, local maps, or global information systems such as GPS. The rise of web-based mapping sites has created a shift in the way people look at GIS. However, the prevalence of publicly accessible GIS has created its share of controversy.
A geographic information system can be many different things. Basically, it is any method of cataloguing, tracking or using geographic information for a specific purpose. This could literally be anything from using the shape of the land to predict weather patterns to finding property lines to navigating the woods with a global positioning system (GPS). The current most common meaning for a geographic information system is a computer-based model of a specific area of real terrain. These systems typically contain non-geographic information about the territory they cover.
The modern geographic information system was born in the 1960s. The Canadian Department of Forestry and Rural Development developed the Canada Geographic Information System (CGIS) to catalog rural areas of Canadian wilderness. They wanted these maps to show not only topographical information, but also additional data about the plant and animal life in those areas. Since this level of interactive detail was difficult with paper maps, a computer system was used instead.
Most of the work done in a geographic information system is actually data entry. Because the information in the system is representative of real places, it is important that the information is accurate and up to date. This means that any information entered into the system must come from a verified source or be cross-checked against multiple existing sources for accuracy.
Data entered into a geographic information system typically comes from one of three sources. Under current systems, many governments maintain basic geographic information in publicly accessible databases. When that information is not available, local maps are often scanned and digitally entered into systems. The last common method is through global information systems such as the Global Navigation Satellite System or GPS. These systems use digital information by default, so they can often enter their data directly into databases.
The current rise of web-based mapping sites has created a shift in the way people look at geographic information systems. These web-based applications, such as Google Maps, have free and open geographic information available to anyone who wants it. Through a standard application programming interface, the data in these web systems can be used to create individual geographic systems. Since the mapping takes place outside the program, updates to web maps also update the program.
The prevalence of publicly accessible geographic information systems, coupled with publicly available government records, has created its share of controversy. Through mash-up mapping programs, it is possible to locate areas that have disproportionately high or low crime, education or income rates. Many watchdog groups feel that this level of accessibility was not the original intent of these systems and have begun taking steps to legislate them more closely.
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