AI & Digital Life · 45 sec
Geographic information system
A useful mental model for the technology shaping daily life.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
A geographic information system (GIS) consists of integrated computer hardware and software that store, manage, analyze, edit, output, and visualize geographic data.
- How it works
Much of this often happens within a spatial database; however, this is not essential to meet the definition of a GIS.
- Why it matters
In a broader sense, one may consider such a system also to include human users and support staff, procedures and workflows, the body of knowledge of relevant concepts and methods, and institutional
Why this matters
Use Geographic information system as a lens when judging what a digital tool can — and cannot — do.
Try this
Use Geographic information system as a lens when judging what a digital tool can — and cannot — do.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Geographic information system?
- The useful idea — correct
- How it works
- Why it matters
A geographic information system (GIS) consists of integrated computer hardware and software that store, manage, analyze, edit, output, and visualize geographic data.