Insight
Geographical Information System- An Overview
By Mr Sunit Raj
GIS is a systematic integration of Computer
Hardware, Software and Spatial Data, for capturing, storing,
displaying, updating, manipulating and analyzing complex
geographical dataset. It helps to solve the complex management
problems.
Previously we had paper maps, which were very
colorful, which we couldn't modify. Then a computer revolution
era began, where the maps were digitized and stored in digital
format. These were just entities (line, circle, polygon or
point) and it did not give any information in relation to
geographical terms. Using these digital files we can modify
easily and reproduce the data quickly. But we can not use them
for any analysis purpose. Then the GIS era started, which made
these entities intelligent. It attached a value (attribute) to
these entities, which defined what these entities actually mean
in geographical terms.
In reference of well known GIS software Arc Info
and MapInfo, if you notice the software name, the two words have
been combined, i.e. Arc and Info making Arc Info, Map and Info
making MapInfo. Arc / Map mean the graphical entities and Info
mean attributes. It means Arc having Information and Map having
Information, makes them intelligent, which can be used for
querying and analysis.
GIS can be used by any business that utilizes
geographical information. For example:
Exploration and mining companies use GIS
information to find out prospective areas for exploration
and mining and also to analyze the core body.
Power companies use GIS to monitor and
analyze the electricity load on the grid network for a
particular area
Transportation companies use GIS to help
determine the best route for delivering there goods at less
time.
Retail trade companies using GIS to determine
the best location for a new outlet.
GIS data is nowadays also used on the
Internet for giving an graphical representation of the users
querying
Use of GIS in business world
It is
a matter of concern how GIS will help in the general business
world that. Consider that any legal entity has to start a
business or a business has to start its new unit or store in a
new area. It will require a good amount of time and resources
has to be required for that purpose. Any organization which is
putting so much efforts and resources, if want to be successful
then it will have to depend on a good decision making skill. For
decision making purpose you need data for that place;
demographic development, how it is taken place so far, what are
the probability of future development as well. Now it can be
done by using GIS for the maps and historical data regarding
development and then compare it. It will give an idea how
development has taken place so far and what is the opportunity
in near future. With the help of GIS technique a satellite snap
has to be taken for a particular area where project has to be
done. For this we collect say 10 year’s different snaps and
compare how development has taken place in that particular area
and on that we can make decisions, of which the probability is
quite good.
It also helps to give the information
regarding the environment. What is the level of greenery
what was the picture before .Where it has gone wrong and
thus can make policy accordingly. There are a lot of
benefits which GIS can provide to society and business.
There are lots of uses as well. At last we can say that GIS
is a great technology which can help to make management
decision and thus common human life better.
Disclaimer : The views
expressed in the articles are author’s own views B’Cognizance or
IIITA is not liable for any objections arising out of the same.
The matter here is solely for academic use only.
GIS Professional,
USA