Geographic Information Systems combines geography and database design to come up with a solution to meet the needs of its users.  GIS technology is found in many industries that make us feel safer in our home, helps us navigate to our vacation spot, or allow us to access records via the internet rather than making a trip to the courthouse. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computerized systems for the storage, retrieval, manipulation, analysis, and display of geographically referenced data. Since they can include physical, biological, cultural, demographic, or economic information, they are valuable tools in the natural, social, medical, and engineering sciences, as well as in business and planning. GIS Implementation:

Data is stored in table structures, made accessible to client PCs. The data can be in tabular form, or in the form of the map.  Analysis and queries can be ran on this data, and the user can choose the view of the data.

Software

GIS software controls the interactions and processes between components; data, applications, network, hardware and people. ESRI, Intergraph, and Smallworld are industry leader in producing  Geographic information Systems software.  The applications are different but the functionality of the tools are somewhat similar.

Most GIS software will provide these tools:

• Tools for entering and manipulating geographic information such as addresses or political boundaries

• A database management system (DBMS)

• Tools that create intelligent digital maps you can analyze, query for more information, or print for presentation

• An easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI)

People:

Even the most highly sophisticate and automated GIS does not run by itself.  A trained staff of professionals or one highly motivated person must be dedicated to the gathering of accurate data, and making sure the system is maintained.

Data Entry- Data must be gathered and kept accurate to ensure stability of the GIS. Data can be entered into the system by mapping features, importing data from other sources, or manually entering data.

Database Administrator-  A database management system (DBMS) stores data.  A DBA's (Database administrator) main issues is to monitor the integrity of the system, to maximize storage, and secure the data.

Network Administrator- Some geographic information systems allow more than one client pc to connect to the database via a network.  The network administrator monitors network resources to ensure a stable and secure connection between PC's.

GIS Specialist/ GIS Analyst

Hardware

To create a fully functional geographic information systems you need hardware capable of running the software of your choice. Processing power, RAM, network speed and traffic all play an important roll in the success of a GIS.

Data

• Data can be gathered from many sources so data standardization has become a key goal of the GIS Community.

• Data can be purchased from many companies that specialize in keeping up to date and accurate record throughout many industries.

• Technology also allows for data to be collected on site or in the field due to GPS Technology.