Thursday, September 11, 2014

Geographic Information System


GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
by Antonio C. Antonio
September 11, 2014

Geographic Information System or GIS is an indispensible technology and tool in environment and natural resources management.  A GIS is a complex web and matrix of computer software system for gathering, storing, verifying and displaying of data related to positions on Earth’s surface.  It is a collage of information and data on one particular map.

Most, if not all, data and information that has anything to do with maps can be entered and stored into GIS.  A GIS enables people to conveniently view, analyze and understand relationships and patterns displayed on the map.  The GIS technology allows people to compare the locations of different data in order to discover how these relate to each other. Using GIS, a wide array of location-specific information can be studied, compared and contrasted such as: (a) population, age, sex, income, educational attainment, etc.; (b) land, mountains, streams, topography and altitudes, different kinds of vegetation, forest canopies, kinds of soil, etc.; (c) infrastructure, roads, buildings, residential areas, business centers, industrial complexes, schools, river network, electrical and water utilities lines and distribution network, etc.

“Data capture” is the term used for encoding or uploading data and information into GIS.  All information should be in digital form… so existing maps must first be scanned, converted into digital information before uploading into the GIS.  Most data, such as satellite images, are already in digital form.  It is also important for all digital information to be aligned.  This is done by aligning all of them into one scale.  GIS combines information from different sources in such a way that all have the same scale and, therefore, less confusing and easier to appreciate.

There really is a fast growing interest and awareness of the value of GIS as an important decision-making tool.  As to application, GIS can be used in many different and important ways aimed at visualizing, questioning, analyzing and interpreting data to understand relationships, patterns and trends.  All these are for the purpose of coming up with a more intelligent decision-making process.  The use of GIS generated data and information will result to: (1) cost savings from greater efficiency; (2) better decision-making; (3) improved communication; (4) more accurate and better record keeping; and, (5) better management systems and management in general.

An example of GIS is the accurate tracking of the spread of the ebola virus in West Africa.  (Please see image insert.)  This GIS map tracking system revealed: (a) where the ebola virus originated; (b) its virulent behaviour; (c) how fast the virus is spreading; (d) which countries are infected so far; and, (e) what is the time-lapse involved.  These information and data could help the countries in this region in planning for (1) internal mitigation and containment of the ebola virus, (2) cross-border containment of the virus and (3) other measures to prevent further spread of the virus,

Geographical information system maps may seem insignificant or unimportant to the untrained eye and mind.  But these are indispensable tools for decision makers.  Let us support further development and advancement of technologies such as geographical information system.

Just my little thoughts…

REFERENCES: (Key words – Geographic Information System)


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