Geospatial Information and Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Current Issues and Future Challenges

Abstract

Geospatial information is data referenced to a place - a set of geographic coordinates?which can often be gathered, manipulated, and displayed in real time. A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system capable of capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced information. In recent years consumer demand has skyrocketed for geospatial information and for tools like GIS to manipulate and display geospatial information. Global Positioning System (GPS) data and their integration with digital maps has led to the popular handheld or dashboard navigation devices used daily by millions. The federal government and policy makers increasingly use geospatial information and tools like GIS for producing floodplain maps, conducting the Census, mapping foreclosures, and responding to natural hazards such as wildfires and hurricanes. For policy makers, this type of analysis can greatly assist in clarifying complex problems that may involve local, state, and federal government, and affect businesses, residential areas, and federal installations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 08, 2009
Accession Number
ADA501336

Entities

People

  • Peter Folger

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Base Closures
  • Cartography
  • Commerce
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Emergency Response
  • Environmental Protection
  • Flood Hazards
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Geography
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Information Systems
  • Law
  • Local Governments
  • National Governments
  • Organizational Structure
  • Remote Sensing
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Computer Vision.
  • Economics
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Technology Areas

  • Space