Best definition for GIS today? [on hold]Great GIS, maps & cartography quotesDefine the “system” in Geographic Information SystemDefine “geospatial data” for a non-GIS professionalHow do you explain what GIS is?What's the usual term for “ground plan based”Proper name for area defined by coordinate pair and radius“Official” definition to hyperspectral sensorGeneric term for CRS axes?Generic term for spatial dataWhere is GIS categorized?Is there a source for common GIS terminology in French?Terminology for “projection” on different 2d planes (no sphere involved)
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Best definition for GIS today? [on hold]
Great GIS, maps & cartography quotesDefine the “system” in Geographic Information SystemDefine “geospatial data” for a non-GIS professionalHow do you explain what GIS is?What's the usual term for “ground plan based”Proper name for area defined by coordinate pair and radius“Official” definition to hyperspectral sensorGeneric term for CRS axes?Generic term for spatial dataWhere is GIS categorized?Is there a source for common GIS terminology in French?Terminology for “projection” on different 2d planes (no sphere involved)
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;
What is the best definition of Geographical Information Systems?
Has the definition changed at all since I was taught it 10yrs back?
The technology has changed a lot and it is more powerful than it used to be, but has that changed the overall definition of what it is?
e.g. Is stuff like Augmented Reality a separate discipline altogether, or does it also merge into the world of GIS?
terminology
edited yesterday
Kadir Şahbaz
4,56721531
asked Nov 26 '10 at 0:16
SimonSimon
7,95764288
put on hold as primarily opinion-based by PolyGeo♦ yesterday
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
add a comment |
What is the best definition of Geographical Information Systems?
Has the definition changed at all since I was taught it 10yrs back?
The technology has changed a lot and it is more powerful than it used to be, but has that changed the overall definition of what it is?
e.g. Is stuff like Augmented Reality a separate discipline altogether, or does it also merge into the world of GIS?
terminology
edited yesterday
Kadir Şahbaz
4,56721531
asked Nov 26 '10 at 0:16
SimonSimon
7,95764288
put on hold as primarily opinion-based by PolyGeo♦ yesterday
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
3
I think this question should be re-opened. Yes, it is opinion based, but the accepted answer plays into what I regard to be an extremely outdated notion of GIS, as desktop-based manipulation of maps. In the era of petabytes of multispectral data, with analysis tools like Postgres/Postgis, the Python data science ecosystem, etc, GIS has become a sub-set of computer science, where data structures and programming skills are paramount and where a map is an optional output. The lack of CS skills in GIS is acute, and answers like those below only perpetuate this problem.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
add a comment |
What is the best definition of Geographical Information Systems?
Has the definition changed at all since I was taught it 10yrs back?
The technology has changed a lot and it is more powerful than it used to be, but has that changed the overall definition of what it is?
e.g. Is stuff like Augmented Reality a separate discipline altogether, or does it also merge into the world of GIS?
terminology
edited yesterday
Kadir Şahbaz
4,56721531
asked Nov 26 '10 at 0:16
SimonSimon
7,95764288
What is the best definition of Geographical Information Systems?
Has the definition changed at all since I was taught it 10yrs back?
The technology has changed a lot and it is more powerful than it used to be, but has that changed the overall definition of what it is?
e.g. Is stuff like Augmented Reality a separate discipline altogether, or does it also merge into the world of GIS?
terminology
terminology
edited yesterday
Kadir Şahbaz
4,56721531
asked Nov 26 '10 at 0:16
SimonSimon
7,95764288
edited yesterday
Kadir Şahbaz
4,56721531
asked Nov 26 '10 at 0:16
SimonSimon
7,95764288
edited yesterday
Kadir Şahbaz
4,56721531
edited yesterday
Kadir Şahbaz
4,56721531
edited yesterday
Kadir Şahbaz
4,56721531
4,56721531
asked Nov 26 '10 at 0:16
SimonSimon
7,95764288
asked Nov 26 '10 at 0:16
SimonSimon
7,95764288
asked Nov 26 '10 at 0:16
SimonSimon
7,95764288
7,95764288
put on hold as primarily opinion-based by PolyGeo♦ yesterday
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
put on hold as primarily opinion-based by PolyGeo♦ yesterday
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
3
I think this question should be re-opened. Yes, it is opinion based, but the accepted answer plays into what I regard to be an extremely outdated notion of GIS, as desktop-based manipulation of maps. In the era of petabytes of multispectral data, with analysis tools like Postgres/Postgis, the Python data science ecosystem, etc, GIS has become a sub-set of computer science, where data structures and programming skills are paramount and where a map is an optional output. The lack of CS skills in GIS is acute, and answers like those below only perpetuate this problem.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
add a comment |
3
I think this question should be re-opened. Yes, it is opinion based, but the accepted answer plays into what I regard to be an extremely outdated notion of GIS, as desktop-based manipulation of maps. In the era of petabytes of multispectral data, with analysis tools like Postgres/Postgis, the Python data science ecosystem, etc, GIS has become a sub-set of computer science, where data structures and programming skills are paramount and where a map is an optional output. The lack of CS skills in GIS is acute, and answers like those below only perpetuate this problem.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
3
3
I think this question should be re-opened. Yes, it is opinion based, but the accepted answer plays into what I regard to be an extremely outdated notion of GIS, as desktop-based manipulation of maps. In the era of petabytes of multispectral data, with analysis tools like Postgres/Postgis, the Python data science ecosystem, etc, GIS has become a sub-set of computer science, where data structures and programming skills are paramount and where a map is an optional output. The lack of CS skills in GIS is acute, and answers like those below only perpetuate this problem.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
I think this question should be re-opened. Yes, it is opinion based, but the accepted answer plays into what I regard to be an extremely outdated notion of GIS, as desktop-based manipulation of maps. In the era of petabytes of multispectral data, with analysis tools like Postgres/Postgis, the Python data science ecosystem, etc, GIS has become a sub-set of computer science, where data structures and programming skills are paramount and where a map is an optional output. The lack of CS skills in GIS is acute, and answers like those below only perpetuate this problem.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
add a comment |
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
My definition of GIS is...
Using a map to answer a question.
When an understanding of the system has been developed that allows the use of the data and interface provided, to a point that users can answer questions and relate locational information to everyday tasks the system has become usable.
GIS "IS" to each user what best answers a locational problem for them. (It could be that if a business is paying for the system then it would "need" to be a business problem). However there are many non-business problems that can be answered that could be considered perks or job benefits. These only add to the understanding and use of locational information (GIS) in the general public. In other words IMHO limiting the use of the information only limits the understanding of GIS.
Part of the understanding and use is that there needs to be a buy-in or time investment from some segment of the users that collects, updates, or otherwise changes data to add either accuracy, additional information, or currency to complete the cycle of use.
The accuracy and currency of the data can take priority over the changes and usefullness of the interface only for a short time.
The changes and enhancements to the interface need to take into account segments of users and possibly even be developed for small sets of users and groups. While making access constraints and data availablity to user groups a priority.
answered Nov 26 '10 at 18:19
Brad NesomBrad Nesom
16.8k23565
7
I'm not sure if it's using a map. More like using spatial data. Maps are too narrow for GIS. There are questions that you can answer without even looking at the graphic output of data.
– George Silva
Mar 2 '11 at 11:22
@George that would be statistics. The data is one of the most important pieces. There is a reason geographic is at the front. There are also answers you can't get without looking at the graphic output. That is the geo-graphic part.
– Brad Nesom
Mar 2 '11 at 14:11
1
I think putting the map as the central element is wide of the mark. The geographic relates to the fact that the phenomena under study happen at some point in space (and time). Postgis, for example, is manifestly a GIS, it can handle raster, vector, topology, 3D, time, etc. You can write incredibly complex queries without ever going near a map. Agreed, maps are a powerful visualization tool, but, very much the output, not the input. The ever increasing volume of data, often in multiple dimensions (think hyperscpectral satellites), further makes the notion of the map as central to GIS obsolete.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
add a comment |
This folds a little bit into an existing Q&A:
Define the "system" in Geographic Information System
To answer the exact question I would say things like the Augmented reality fall into a Geographic Exploration System where the user is exploring the world around them. Whereas a GIS alludes to storage and analysis as well as visualisation.
edited yesterday
PolyGeo♦
53.9k1781245
answered Nov 26 '10 at 1:01
CDBrownCDBrown
2,2021220
add a comment |
GIS is too big with too many meanings for different people. It really needs to be understood by doing (i.e. using software, dealing with data) combined with understandings of theoretical concepts. That said, any particular software will provide its own slightly personal definition and include or exclude topics and definitions and capabilities that are either taken for granted or disregarded.
As an example, Manifold Software include modern computing performance, large memory handling, 64-bit capability and database principles into the mix as a crucial part of the "definition". They also explicitly include the user as part of the definition and point to ways to maximize performance and improve results by understanding these as fundamental aspects of a "Geographic Information System".
EDIT: elaborated to try to answer the q.
answered Nov 26 '10 at 23:44
mdsumnermdsumner
6,25511624
add a comment |
My definition:
Traditional map making is an expensive and time consuming process. Since the introduction of computers the quantity and breadth of maps available to people has exploded, due to reduced cost and difficulty. GIS is the techniques, tools and processes that enabled that growth.
answered Mar 2 '11 at 13:10
Matthew SnapeMatthew Snape
5,01421944
add a comment |
My definition:
A system (computer or not) that relates information with geographic features.
In the essence of this definition a GIS could be even a paper map with numbered areas and a book with tables with the information related to that numbers.
answered Mar 2 '11 at 15:19
PabloPablo
7,76333270
add a comment |
GIS Clouds
"Cloud computing furnishes technological [GIS] capabilities—commonly maintained off premises"
http://www.esri.com/technology-topics/cloud-gis/index.html
(so no they are not in the sky)
answered Nov 26 '10 at 15:13
Mapperz♦Mapperz
44.3k659120
4
good example of how things are changing with GIS. However, can you go into more specifics on how technologies like this change the definition of GIS (if at all). i.e. Does not answer the Q
– Simon
Nov 27 '10 at 6:30
add a comment |
GIS are software and hardware products designed to manage, visualize, analyze, model, and store data on objects and natural phenomena in various information codes and formats in various databases.
(I think so :-), those who, up down, only amuse me even more...)
OS
answered Apr 2 at 14:35
CyrilCyril
1,0991216
add a comment |
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
My definition of GIS is...
Using a map to answer a question.
When an understanding of the system has been developed that allows the use of the data and interface provided, to a point that users can answer questions and relate locational information to everyday tasks the system has become usable.
GIS "IS" to each user what best answers a locational problem for them. (It could be that if a business is paying for the system then it would "need" to be a business problem). However there are many non-business problems that can be answered that could be considered perks or job benefits. These only add to the understanding and use of locational information (GIS) in the general public. In other words IMHO limiting the use of the information only limits the understanding of GIS.
Part of the understanding and use is that there needs to be a buy-in or time investment from some segment of the users that collects, updates, or otherwise changes data to add either accuracy, additional information, or currency to complete the cycle of use.
The accuracy and currency of the data can take priority over the changes and usefullness of the interface only for a short time.
The changes and enhancements to the interface need to take into account segments of users and possibly even be developed for small sets of users and groups. While making access constraints and data availablity to user groups a priority.
answered Nov 26 '10 at 18:19
Brad NesomBrad Nesom
16.8k23565
7
I'm not sure if it's using a map. More like using spatial data. Maps are too narrow for GIS. There are questions that you can answer without even looking at the graphic output of data.
– George Silva
Mar 2 '11 at 11:22
@George that would be statistics. The data is one of the most important pieces. There is a reason geographic is at the front. There are also answers you can't get without looking at the graphic output. That is the geo-graphic part.
– Brad Nesom
Mar 2 '11 at 14:11
1
I think putting the map as the central element is wide of the mark. The geographic relates to the fact that the phenomena under study happen at some point in space (and time). Postgis, for example, is manifestly a GIS, it can handle raster, vector, topology, 3D, time, etc. You can write incredibly complex queries without ever going near a map. Agreed, maps are a powerful visualization tool, but, very much the output, not the input. The ever increasing volume of data, often in multiple dimensions (think hyperscpectral satellites), further makes the notion of the map as central to GIS obsolete.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
add a comment |
My definition of GIS is...
Using a map to answer a question.
When an understanding of the system has been developed that allows the use of the data and interface provided, to a point that users can answer questions and relate locational information to everyday tasks the system has become usable.
GIS "IS" to each user what best answers a locational problem for them. (It could be that if a business is paying for the system then it would "need" to be a business problem). However there are many non-business problems that can be answered that could be considered perks or job benefits. These only add to the understanding and use of locational information (GIS) in the general public. In other words IMHO limiting the use of the information only limits the understanding of GIS.
Part of the understanding and use is that there needs to be a buy-in or time investment from some segment of the users that collects, updates, or otherwise changes data to add either accuracy, additional information, or currency to complete the cycle of use.
The accuracy and currency of the data can take priority over the changes and usefullness of the interface only for a short time.
The changes and enhancements to the interface need to take into account segments of users and possibly even be developed for small sets of users and groups. While making access constraints and data availablity to user groups a priority.
answered Nov 26 '10 at 18:19
Brad NesomBrad Nesom
16.8k23565
7
I'm not sure if it's using a map. More like using spatial data. Maps are too narrow for GIS. There are questions that you can answer without even looking at the graphic output of data.
– George Silva
Mar 2 '11 at 11:22
@George that would be statistics. The data is one of the most important pieces. There is a reason geographic is at the front. There are also answers you can't get without looking at the graphic output. That is the geo-graphic part.
– Brad Nesom
Mar 2 '11 at 14:11
1
I think putting the map as the central element is wide of the mark. The geographic relates to the fact that the phenomena under study happen at some point in space (and time). Postgis, for example, is manifestly a GIS, it can handle raster, vector, topology, 3D, time, etc. You can write incredibly complex queries without ever going near a map. Agreed, maps are a powerful visualization tool, but, very much the output, not the input. The ever increasing volume of data, often in multiple dimensions (think hyperscpectral satellites), further makes the notion of the map as central to GIS obsolete.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
add a comment |
My definition of GIS is...
Using a map to answer a question.
When an understanding of the system has been developed that allows the use of the data and interface provided, to a point that users can answer questions and relate locational information to everyday tasks the system has become usable.
GIS "IS" to each user what best answers a locational problem for them. (It could be that if a business is paying for the system then it would "need" to be a business problem). However there are many non-business problems that can be answered that could be considered perks or job benefits. These only add to the understanding and use of locational information (GIS) in the general public. In other words IMHO limiting the use of the information only limits the understanding of GIS.
Part of the understanding and use is that there needs to be a buy-in or time investment from some segment of the users that collects, updates, or otherwise changes data to add either accuracy, additional information, or currency to complete the cycle of use.
The accuracy and currency of the data can take priority over the changes and usefullness of the interface only for a short time.
The changes and enhancements to the interface need to take into account segments of users and possibly even be developed for small sets of users and groups. While making access constraints and data availablity to user groups a priority.
answered Nov 26 '10 at 18:19
Brad NesomBrad Nesom
16.8k23565
My definition of GIS is...
Using a map to answer a question.
When an understanding of the system has been developed that allows the use of the data and interface provided, to a point that users can answer questions and relate locational information to everyday tasks the system has become usable.
GIS "IS" to each user what best answers a locational problem for them. (It could be that if a business is paying for the system then it would "need" to be a business problem). However there are many non-business problems that can be answered that could be considered perks or job benefits. These only add to the understanding and use of locational information (GIS) in the general public. In other words IMHO limiting the use of the information only limits the understanding of GIS.
Part of the understanding and use is that there needs to be a buy-in or time investment from some segment of the users that collects, updates, or otherwise changes data to add either accuracy, additional information, or currency to complete the cycle of use.
The accuracy and currency of the data can take priority over the changes and usefullness of the interface only for a short time.
The changes and enhancements to the interface need to take into account segments of users and possibly even be developed for small sets of users and groups. While making access constraints and data availablity to user groups a priority.
answered Nov 26 '10 at 18:19
Brad NesomBrad Nesom
16.8k23565
edited Oct 23 '13 at 15:03
answered Nov 26 '10 at 18:19
Brad NesomBrad Nesom
16.8k23565
answered Nov 26 '10 at 18:19
Brad NesomBrad Nesom
16.8k23565
answered Nov 26 '10 at 18:19
Brad NesomBrad Nesom
16.8k23565
16.8k23565
7
I'm not sure if it's using a map. More like using spatial data. Maps are too narrow for GIS. There are questions that you can answer without even looking at the graphic output of data.
– George Silva
Mar 2 '11 at 11:22
@George that would be statistics. The data is one of the most important pieces. There is a reason geographic is at the front. There are also answers you can't get without looking at the graphic output. That is the geo-graphic part.
– Brad Nesom
Mar 2 '11 at 14:11
1
I think putting the map as the central element is wide of the mark. The geographic relates to the fact that the phenomena under study happen at some point in space (and time). Postgis, for example, is manifestly a GIS, it can handle raster, vector, topology, 3D, time, etc. You can write incredibly complex queries without ever going near a map. Agreed, maps are a powerful visualization tool, but, very much the output, not the input. The ever increasing volume of data, often in multiple dimensions (think hyperscpectral satellites), further makes the notion of the map as central to GIS obsolete.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
add a comment |
7
I'm not sure if it's using a map. More like using spatial data. Maps are too narrow for GIS. There are questions that you can answer without even looking at the graphic output of data.
– George Silva
Mar 2 '11 at 11:22
@George that would be statistics. The data is one of the most important pieces. There is a reason geographic is at the front. There are also answers you can't get without looking at the graphic output. That is the geo-graphic part.
– Brad Nesom
Mar 2 '11 at 14:11
1
I think putting the map as the central element is wide of the mark. The geographic relates to the fact that the phenomena under study happen at some point in space (and time). Postgis, for example, is manifestly a GIS, it can handle raster, vector, topology, 3D, time, etc. You can write incredibly complex queries without ever going near a map. Agreed, maps are a powerful visualization tool, but, very much the output, not the input. The ever increasing volume of data, often in multiple dimensions (think hyperscpectral satellites), further makes the notion of the map as central to GIS obsolete.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
7
7
I'm not sure if it's using a map. More like using spatial data. Maps are too narrow for GIS. There are questions that you can answer without even looking at the graphic output of data.
– George Silva
Mar 2 '11 at 11:22
I'm not sure if it's using a map. More like using spatial data. Maps are too narrow for GIS. There are questions that you can answer without even looking at the graphic output of data.
– George Silva
Mar 2 '11 at 11:22
@George that would be statistics. The data is one of the most important pieces. There is a reason geographic is at the front. There are also answers you can't get without looking at the graphic output. That is the geo-graphic part.
– Brad Nesom
Mar 2 '11 at 14:11
@George that would be statistics. The data is one of the most important pieces. There is a reason geographic is at the front. There are also answers you can't get without looking at the graphic output. That is the geo-graphic part.
– Brad Nesom
Mar 2 '11 at 14:11
1
1
I think putting the map as the central element is wide of the mark. The geographic relates to the fact that the phenomena under study happen at some point in space (and time). Postgis, for example, is manifestly a GIS, it can handle raster, vector, topology, 3D, time, etc. You can write incredibly complex queries without ever going near a map. Agreed, maps are a powerful visualization tool, but, very much the output, not the input. The ever increasing volume of data, often in multiple dimensions (think hyperscpectral satellites), further makes the notion of the map as central to GIS obsolete.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
I think putting the map as the central element is wide of the mark. The geographic relates to the fact that the phenomena under study happen at some point in space (and time). Postgis, for example, is manifestly a GIS, it can handle raster, vector, topology, 3D, time, etc. You can write incredibly complex queries without ever going near a map. Agreed, maps are a powerful visualization tool, but, very much the output, not the input. The ever increasing volume of data, often in multiple dimensions (think hyperscpectral satellites), further makes the notion of the map as central to GIS obsolete.
– John Powell
23 hours ago
add a comment |
This folds a little bit into an existing Q&A:
Define the "system" in Geographic Information System
To answer the exact question I would say things like the Augmented reality fall into a Geographic Exploration System where the user is exploring the world around them. Whereas a GIS alludes to storage and analysis as well as visualisation.
edited yesterday
PolyGeo♦
53.9k1781245
answered Nov 26 '10 at 1:01
CDBrownCDBrown
2,2021220
add a comment |
This folds a little bit into an existing Q&A:
Define the "system" in Geographic Information System
To answer the exact question I would say things like the Augmented reality fall into a Geographic Exploration System where the user is exploring the world around them. Whereas a GIS alludes to storage and analysis as well as visualisation.
edited yesterday
PolyGeo♦
53.9k1781245
answered Nov 26 '10 at 1:01
CDBrownCDBrown
2,2021220
add a comment |
This folds a little bit into an existing Q&A:
Define the "system" in Geographic Information System
To answer the exact question I would say things like the Augmented reality fall into a Geographic Exploration System where the user is exploring the world around them. Whereas a GIS alludes to storage and analysis as well as visualisation.
edited yesterday
PolyGeo♦
53.9k1781245
answered Nov 26 '10 at 1:01
CDBrownCDBrown
2,2021220
This folds a little bit into an existing Q&A:
Define the "system" in Geographic Information System
To answer the exact question I would say things like the Augmented reality fall into a Geographic Exploration System where the user is exploring the world around them. Whereas a GIS alludes to storage and analysis as well as visualisation.
edited yesterday
PolyGeo♦
53.9k1781245
answered Nov 26 '10 at 1:01
CDBrownCDBrown
2,2021220
edited yesterday
PolyGeo♦
53.9k1781245
edited yesterday
PolyGeo♦
53.9k1781245
edited yesterday
PolyGeo♦
53.9k1781245
53.9k1781245
answered Nov 26 '10 at 1:01
CDBrownCDBrown
2,2021220
answered Nov 26 '10 at 1:01
CDBrownCDBrown
2,2021220
answered Nov 26 '10 at 1:01
CDBrownCDBrown
2,2021220
2,2021220
add a comment |
add a comment |
GIS is too big with too many meanings for different people. It really needs to be understood by doing (i.e. using software, dealing with data) combined with understandings of theoretical concepts. That said, any particular software will provide its own slightly personal definition and include or exclude topics and definitions and capabilities that are either taken for granted or disregarded.
As an example, Manifold Software include modern computing performance, large memory handling, 64-bit capability and database principles into the mix as a crucial part of the "definition". They also explicitly include the user as part of the definition and point to ways to maximize performance and improve results by understanding these as fundamental aspects of a "Geographic Information System".
EDIT: elaborated to try to answer the q.
answered Nov 26 '10 at 23:44
mdsumnermdsumner
6,25511624
add a comment |
GIS is too big with too many meanings for different people. It really needs to be understood by doing (i.e. using software, dealing with data) combined with understandings of theoretical concepts. That said, any particular software will provide its own slightly personal definition and include or exclude topics and definitions and capabilities that are either taken for granted or disregarded.
As an example, Manifold Software include modern computing performance, large memory handling, 64-bit capability and database principles into the mix as a crucial part of the "definition". They also explicitly include the user as part of the definition and point to ways to maximize performance and improve results by understanding these as fundamental aspects of a "Geographic Information System".
EDIT: elaborated to try to answer the q.
answered Nov 26 '10 at 23:44
mdsumnermdsumner
6,25511624
add a comment |
GIS is too big with too many meanings for different people. It really needs to be understood by doing (i.e. using software, dealing with data) combined with understandings of theoretical concepts. That said, any particular software will provide its own slightly personal definition and include or exclude topics and definitions and capabilities that are either taken for granted or disregarded.
As an example, Manifold Software include modern computing performance, large memory handling, 64-bit capability and database principles into the mix as a crucial part of the "definition". They also explicitly include the user as part of the definition and point to ways to maximize performance and improve results by understanding these as fundamental aspects of a "Geographic Information System".
EDIT: elaborated to try to answer the q.
answered Nov 26 '10 at 23:44
mdsumnermdsumner
6,25511624
GIS is too big with too many meanings for different people. It really needs to be understood by doing (i.e. using software, dealing with data) combined with understandings of theoretical concepts. That said, any particular software will provide its own slightly personal definition and include or exclude topics and definitions and capabilities that are either taken for granted or disregarded.
As an example, Manifold Software include modern computing performance, large memory handling, 64-bit capability and database principles into the mix as a crucial part of the "definition". They also explicitly include the user as part of the definition and point to ways to maximize performance and improve results by understanding these as fundamental aspects of a "Geographic Information System".
EDIT: elaborated to try to answer the q.
answered Nov 26 '10 at 23:44
mdsumnermdsumner
6,25511624
edited Mar 1 '11 at 22:19
answered Nov 26 '10 at 23:44
mdsumnermdsumner
6,25511624
answered Nov 26 '10 at 23:44
mdsumnermdsumner
6,25511624
answered Nov 26 '10 at 23:44
mdsumnermdsumner
6,25511624
6,25511624
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My definition:
Traditional map making is an expensive and time consuming process. Since the introduction of computers the quantity and breadth of maps available to people has exploded, due to reduced cost and difficulty. GIS is the techniques, tools and processes that enabled that growth.
answered Mar 2 '11 at 13:10
Matthew SnapeMatthew Snape
5,01421944
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My definition:
Traditional map making is an expensive and time consuming process. Since the introduction of computers the quantity and breadth of maps available to people has exploded, due to reduced cost and difficulty. GIS is the techniques, tools and processes that enabled that growth.
answered Mar 2 '11 at 13:10
Matthew SnapeMatthew Snape
5,01421944
add a comment |
My definition:
Traditional map making is an expensive and time consuming process. Since the introduction of computers the quantity and breadth of maps available to people has exploded, due to reduced cost and difficulty. GIS is the techniques, tools and processes that enabled that growth.
answered Mar 2 '11 at 13:10
Matthew SnapeMatthew Snape
5,01421944
My definition:
Traditional map making is an expensive and time consuming process. Since the introduction of computers the quantity and breadth of maps available to people has exploded, due to reduced cost and difficulty. GIS is the techniques, tools and processes that enabled that growth.
answered Mar 2 '11 at 13:10
Matthew SnapeMatthew Snape
5,01421944
answered Mar 2 '11 at 13:10
Matthew SnapeMatthew Snape
5,01421944
answered Mar 2 '11 at 13:10
Matthew SnapeMatthew Snape
5,01421944
answered Mar 2 '11 at 13:10
Matthew SnapeMatthew Snape
5,01421944
5,01421944
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My definition:
A system (computer or not) that relates information with geographic features.
In the essence of this definition a GIS could be even a paper map with numbered areas and a book with tables with the information related to that numbers.
answered Mar 2 '11 at 15:19
PabloPablo
7,76333270
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My definition:
A system (computer or not) that relates information with geographic features.
In the essence of this definition a GIS could be even a paper map with numbered areas and a book with tables with the information related to that numbers.
answered Mar 2 '11 at 15:19
PabloPablo
7,76333270
add a comment |
My definition:
A system (computer or not) that relates information with geographic features.
In the essence of this definition a GIS could be even a paper map with numbered areas and a book with tables with the information related to that numbers.
answered Mar 2 '11 at 15:19
PabloPablo
7,76333270
My definition:
A system (computer or not) that relates information with geographic features.
In the essence of this definition a GIS could be even a paper map with numbered areas and a book with tables with the information related to that numbers.
answered Mar 2 '11 at 15:19
PabloPablo
7,76333270
answered Mar 2 '11 at 15:19
PabloPablo
7,76333270
answered Mar 2 '11 at 15:19
PabloPablo
7,76333270
answered Mar 2 '11 at 15:19
PabloPablo
7,76333270
7,76333270
add a comment |
add a comment |
GIS Clouds
"Cloud computing furnishes technological [GIS] capabilities—commonly maintained off premises"
http://www.esri.com/technology-topics/cloud-gis/index.html
(so no they are not in the sky)
answered Nov 26 '10 at 15:13
Mapperz♦Mapperz
44.3k659120
4
good example of how things are changing with GIS. However, can you go into more specifics on how technologies like this change the definition of GIS (if at all). i.e. Does not answer the Q
– Simon
Nov 27 '10 at 6:30
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GIS Clouds
"Cloud computing furnishes technological [GIS] capabilities—commonly maintained off premises"
http://www.esri.com/technology-topics/cloud-gis/index.html
(so no they are not in the sky)
answered Nov 26 '10 at 15:13
Mapperz♦Mapperz
44.3k659120
4
good example of how things are changing with GIS. However, can you go into more specifics on how technologies like this change the definition of GIS (if at all). i.e. Does not answer the Q
– Simon
Nov 27 '10 at 6:30
add a comment |
GIS Clouds
"Cloud computing furnishes technological [GIS] capabilities—commonly maintained off premises"
http://www.esri.com/technology-topics/cloud-gis/index.html
(so no they are not in the sky)
answered Nov 26 '10 at 15:13
Mapperz♦Mapperz
44.3k659120
GIS Clouds
"Cloud computing furnishes technological [GIS] capabilities—commonly maintained off premises"
http://www.esri.com/technology-topics/cloud-gis/index.html
(so no they are not in the sky)
answered Nov 26 '10 at 15:13
Mapperz♦Mapperz
44.3k659120
answered Nov 26 '10 at 15:13
Mapperz♦Mapperz
44.3k659120
answered Nov 26 '10 at 15:13
Mapperz♦Mapperz
44.3k659120
answered Nov 26 '10 at 15:13
Mapperz♦Mapperz
44.3k659120
44.3k659120
4
good example of how things are changing with GIS. However, can you go into more specifics on how technologies like this change the definition of GIS (if at all). i.e. Does not answer the Q
– Simon
Nov 27 '10 at 6:30
add a comment |
4
good example of how things are changing with GIS. However, can you go into more specifics on how technologies like this change the definition of GIS (if at all). i.e. Does not answer the Q
– Simon
Nov 27 '10 at 6:30
4
4
good example of how things are changing with GIS. However, can you go into more specifics on how technologies like this change the definition of GIS (if at all). i.e. Does not answer the Q
– Simon
Nov 27 '10 at 6:30
good example of how things are changing with GIS. However, can you go into more specifics on how technologies like this change the definition of GIS (if at all). i.e. Does not answer the Q
– Simon
Nov 27 '10 at 6:30
add a comment |
GIS are software and hardware products designed to manage, visualize, analyze, model, and store data on objects and natural phenomena in various information codes and formats in various databases.
(I think so :-), those who, up down, only amuse me even more...)
OS
answered Apr 2 at 14:35
CyrilCyril
1,0991216
add a comment |
GIS are software and hardware products designed to manage, visualize, analyze, model, and store data on objects and natural phenomena in various information codes and formats in various databases.
(I think so :-), those who, up down, only amuse me even more...)
OS
answered Apr 2 at 14:35
CyrilCyril
1,0991216
add a comment |
GIS are software and hardware products designed to manage, visualize, analyze, model, and store data on objects and natural phenomena in various information codes and formats in various databases.
(I think so :-), those who, up down, only amuse me even more...)
OS
answered Apr 2 at 14:35
CyrilCyril
1,0991216
GIS are software and hardware products designed to manage, visualize, analyze, model, and store data on objects and natural phenomena in various information codes and formats in various databases.
(I think so :-), those who, up down, only amuse me even more...)
OS
answered Apr 2 at 14:35
CyrilCyril
1,0991216
edited 20 hours ago
answered Apr 2 at 14:35
CyrilCyril
1,0991216
answered Apr 2 at 14:35
CyrilCyril
1,0991216
answered Apr 2 at 14:35
CyrilCyril
1,0991216
1,0991216
add a comment |
add a comment |
3
I think this question should be re-opened. Yes, it is opinion based, but the accepted answer plays into what I regard to be an extremely outdated notion of GIS, as desktop-based manipulation of maps. In the era of petabytes of multispectral data, with analysis tools like Postgres/Postgis, the Python data science ecosystem, etc, GIS has become a sub-set of computer science, where data structures and programming skills are paramount and where a map is an optional output. The lack of CS skills in GIS is acute, and answers like those below only perpetuate this problem.
– John Powell
23 hours ago