GIS Introduction & Overview

Abstract

GIS is the primary driver for its very own, ever greater, acceptability and use. Everyone likes maps and graphics and the computer makes it easier for you to visualize your data. GIS growth feeds on its own successes and builds new and more complex applications as it permeates society.It is projected that $75 to $95 billion dollars will be spent in the United States alone on GIS implementations through the year 2000. The market has grown over 40% per year with no stopping for several years now. Practical applications include analyzing how the environment is affected by man; mapping out environmental layers to characterize a site and predict site potential; routing of roads, transmission lines, pipelines, sewer, and network analysis / flow analysis through these 'transportation' routes; mapping and managing urban infrastructure including base maps, tax, curbs, water supply, drainage, electricity, telephone, and gas; and spatially examining socio and economic indicators of the population and their use in planning and growth management.