What is GIS?

1. Defining GIS:
a. Find and copy three definitions of “GIS” from different websites. Include the source or URL link to those definitions. Also, be sure to identify what the acronym “GIS” stands for in each of these definitions. For example, does it mean Geographic Information Science or Geographic Information Systems?
First definition - A GIS (geographic information system) enables you to envision the geographic aspects of a body of data. Basically, it lets you query or analyze a database and receive the results in the form of some kind of map. Since many kinds of data have important geographic aspects, a GIS can have many uses: weather forecasting, sales analysis, population forecasting, and land use planning, to name a few.
In a GIS, geographic information is described explicitly in terms of geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude or some national grid coordinates) or implicitly in terms of a street address, postal code, or forest stand identifier. A geographic information system contains the ability to translate implicit geographic data (such as a street address) into an explicit map location. GIS developers sometimes obtain the map data from public sources or companies that specialize in collecting and organizing geographic information. The process of converting implicit geographic data into explicit or map-form images is called geo-coding. http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/definition/GIS

Second Definition: A Geographic Information System, or GIS, integrates data, hardware, software and GPS to assist in the analysis and display of geographically referenced information. GIS is a general term that refers to any scientific effort integrates data to help researchers visualize, analyze, and explore geographically referenced information. For example, GIS is helping researchers measure the speed of glacier melting in Greenland and Antarctica. GIS can assist in the analysis of small-scale and localized data, as well, such as development trends, or watershed analysis. http://gps.about.com/od/glossary/g/GIS.htm
Third definition: Geographic Information Systems: A Generic Definition
GIS is a special-purpose digital database in which a common spatial coordinate system is the primary means of reference. Comprehensive GIS require a means of:
1. Data input, from maps, aerial photos, satellites, surveys, and other sources
2. Data storage, retrieval, and query
3. Data transformation, analysis, and modeling, including spatial statistics
4. Data reporting, such as maps, reports, and plans http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/intro/intro.html

b. Briefly discuss the similarities between the definitions.
The definitions given by the different websites are all very much alike. They all state That GIS Short for Geographic Information System is a database in which you are allowed to store and retrieve data concerning geographic information. In other words the data collected can be viewed in some kind of map. All definitions state how this database helps many fields of study perform their job. Planners, geographers, scientists, businesses all use the program to help them visualize and analyze their own data or subject being studied.

c. What differences exist between the definitions (i.e. are there any that have unique phrases or descriptions?
The second definition tends to give a greater focus on how science uses GIS. The other two definitions give out better outlook or general since of what the program consists of. The first definition talks about how GIS is able to copy convert implicit geographic data into explicit map locations. This helps the reader get a better understanding of how GIS is able to transform coding into a map. The other two do not mention this.

d. What does this tell you about the field of GIS?
What this tells me about the field of GIS is that it could be used an array of jobs that do not have to relate to geography. It is a very complex but at the same time a great program which facilitates the job of many other fields out there. I would say the field of GIS offers a of different opportunities for a business as well as the regular citizen.

2. Find three examples of applied 'real‐world' uses of GIS. Write brief descriptions (i.e. a few sentences) for each example and include references or webpage links (URLs) to each project.
a. GIS is often use by planners as well as ecologists to map out natural resources. For example a planner might be thinking about improving a public space by adding more parks with baseball fields around an area. However this is wildlife in the place where they want to build the new baseball field. With the help of GIS, they can map out where this wildlife exists and built around it.
http://www.appliedeco.com/GISServices.cfm

b. GIS helps retail business increase productivity. The way that is done is very simple. Through GIS retailers can understand and look to see the relationship between the different geographic locations and where business could potentially be the most productive. With GIS they are able to analyze and deliver better outcomes for their business.
http://www.esri.com/library/bestpractices/retail-business.pdf

c. GIS is also a very important tool used for public health. Doctors and scientists have found the primary origins of a specific disease or epidemic thanks to GIS. They do so by tracking out the disease or epidemic. Other uses of GIS in health are becoming very important such as in the studies cognitive science. They also use it for business in order to promote better care and amenities for the people in different communities.
http://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/0499/umbrella.html

3. Briefly describe at least three differences and three similarities between maps and GIS.

Differences:

• GIS is contains four different components which are input, database, analysis and output. Maps( or in this case cartography) has three which are input map design and output.
http://gis.nic.in/gisprimer/giscart.html

• Maps only show the visual images, GIS consists of maps but it goes deeper than that. GIS is a set of dynamic representation of things on earth.
• GIS allows us to store and retrieve data in very large quantities. It uses the map portion of the program to visualize the data, and the database for the written portion or information.
• The data in GIS could be is easily shared with other software’s such as AutoCAD.
http://www.bg-map.com/gis.html

Similarities:

• GIS uses mapping. It creates and updates maps. GIS would not exist without maps.
• Both maps and GIS are essential for many business uses. (i.e. science, planning)
• They both show particular locations and places in the world. As well as other visuals such as the amount of people living in a certain area.

World Ocean Floor

Take a look at a map of the current world ocean floor. The image is amazing because it shows the plate techtonics, the different mountain ranges. I found it very interesting to be able to take a look at how the earth is changing in relation to how these plates move. Images like this allow me to have a greater understanding on why we have mountains, rivers, volcanoes and even earthquakes. The source I gathered this map from is a plate techtonic website. URL: http://www.platetectonics.com/oceanfloors/index.asp.

This map appeared in the National Geographic issue of 1968. The map allows us to see the Atlantic ocean floor. What I like about it is that it clearly shows all of the plains and slopes in the Atlantic. This map can be very useful when we want to study in greater detail the reasons to why earthquakes and tsunamis happen. It can also serve as a guide to observe the changes currently happening in the ocean floor. This image was taken from a website called maps, and here is the URL, http://www.maps.com/map.aspx?pid=15757.

 This is a map showing Mount Everest and the Himalaya range in Asia. The source this image was taken from is Intute World Guide Satillite Image. Here is the URL, intute.ac.uk. This is an interesting map of the mountain range becuase it provides a clear and detailed look of the area. I particularly like how the map exhibits the place with the different contrast in color.