Applications of Geographic Information Systems in Public Works.
Abstract
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a unique class of computer software that represent an exciting technology that will have a significant impact on data analysis and information processing during the next decade. GIS links two different technologies, automated mapping and database management systems. Contrary to the vast amount of articles written recently about GIS in news and trade articles, GIS is not a new and unproven technology. The first operational GIS, The Canadian Geographic Information System, began operating in 1962. The first commercially available GIS software became available in the early 1980?s. The tremendous exposure and popularity in the last few years is not attributed to the emergence of a brand new technology, but rather to the increased power and decreased cost of computers and the availability of relatively inexpensive digital data (1) But what is GIS? The use of GIS has grown dramatically from its beginnings in the mid 80%s from obscurity to become commonplace in business, universities and governments where they are used for many diverse applications. (2) Many definitions of a GIS have been developed. (KAR) P. 5
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA297921
Entities
People
- Kevin P. O'connor
Organizations
- University of Florida