GIS at UCD and on the Web: Definitions of GIS

Many different types of data can be integrated into a GIS and represented as a map layer. Click on the image below to read more.

A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.

GIS allows one to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts.

A GIS helps one answer questions and solve problems by looking at your data in a way that is quickly understood and easily shared.
 

GIS stands for Geographical Information System. A GIS is about processing information to help make an informed decision.

Without actually knowing it the general public and businesses are using GIS on a daily basis. GIS has been used for hundreds of years however, in the past using GIS was a manual process but technology has allowed this to become a digital process.

When Geographical Information (GI) is used in conjunction with location (by using maps), a link is created between diverse datasets that can concern, people, places or things.

Visual information in a GIS system can help it to be more easily understood and explained. For instance, if a council wants feedback on a development plan from residents, showing this information such as schools, parks, planned housing and roads all displayed on a map can help the resident understand the impact the plans will have on them.