Introduction
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become increasingly popular in recent years as a tool for collecting, managing, analyzing, modeling, and presenting geographic data for a wide range of applications. As the use of GIS has grown, so too has the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying science and studies that inform its use. This has led to the emergence of Geographic Information Science (GIScience) and Geographic Information Studies (GISs), which are increasingly used to describe the discipline. However, there is still no universally agreed-upon definition of GIS, and surprisingly, a number of GIS texts do not even attempt to define the term. This article will examine the evolution of GIS and explore the differences between GIS, GIScience, and GISs.
The Evolution of GIS
GIS can be traced back to the early 1960s, when computers were first being used to store and manipulate geographic data. At this time, GIS was primarily used as a tool for cartography, or the creation of maps. As computers became more powerful, however, GIS began to evolve into a more comprehensive tool for analyzing spatial data. In the 1980s, the term “GIS” began to be widely used to describe this new type of computer-based system.
Today, GIS is used in a wide range of applications, from urban planning and natural resource management to epidemiology and emergency response. One of the key features of GIS is its ability to integrate different types of data, including spatial, temporal, and attribute data, to create a more comprehensive understanding of a particular geographic area.
GIS, GIScience, and GISs
Although the term “GIS” is still widely used, it is increasingly being replaced by the terms “GIScience” and “GISs”. These terms are used to describe the underlying science and studies that inform the use of GIS as a tool.
GIScience is the discipline that studies the principles and concepts behind GIS, including spatial data analysis, cartography, and remote sensing. It is concerned with understanding the fundamental properties of geographic data and developing the theoretical foundations for GIS.
GISs, on the other hand, are concerned with the practical application of GIS. GISs focus on the use of GIS as a tool to solve specific problems or answer specific questions. This can include everything from creating maps and conducting spatial analyses to developing decision support systems and implementing GIS in an organization.
While GIScience and GISs are distinct disciplines, they are closely related and often work together. For example, GIScience researchers might develop new algorithms for spatial data analysis, while GISs practitioners might use these algorithms to solve real-world problems.
The Power of GIS
One of the key features of GIS is its ability to integrate different types of data to create a more comprehensive understanding of a particular geographic area. This can include everything from traditional maps and satellite imagery to demographic and environmental data.
GIS can be used to address a wide range of questions, from simple queries about the location of a particular feature to complex analyses of patterns and relationships between different variables. For example, GIS can be used to identify areas at risk of natural disasters, such as floods or wildfires, and to develop strategies for mitigating these risks.
GIS can also be used to inform public policy decisions, such as where to locate new schools or hospitals. By analyzing demographic data, GIS can help policymakers understand the distribution of different groups within a community and identify areas where services are most needed.
Conclusion
GIS has evolved from a simple tool for cartography to a powerful tool for analyzing spatial data. The emergence of GIScience and GISs has helped to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying science and studies that inform the use of GIS. GIS is now used in a wide range of applications, from urban planning and natural resource management to epidemiology and emergency response. GIS can integrate different types of data to create a more comprehensive understanding of a particular geographic area, and it can be used to address a wide range of questions.
While GIS is often associated with map-making, the primary emphasis of GIScience and GISs is on analysis of the data. Maps can be produced with GIS, but their main power lies in their ability to analyze spatial data. GIScience is concerned with the theoretical foundations of GIS, while GISs are concerned with the practical application of GIS to solve specific problems or answer specific questions.
GIS has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach complex problems and make decisions. By providing a more comprehensive understanding of a particular geographic area, GIS can help us to make more informed decisions about everything from public policy to emergency response. As the field of GIS continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more powerful and innovative applications of this technology in the years to come.
