Part - I

Executive Summary

Geographical Information System is a configuration of computer hardware and software specifically designed for the acquisition, maintenance, and use of cartographic data. GIS is a rapidly growing technological field that incorporates graphical features with tabular data in order to assess real-world problems. The power of a GIS comes from the ability to relate different information in a spatial context and to reach a conclusion about this relationship.

Many computer databases that can be directly entered into a GIS are being produced by Federal, State, tribal, and local governments, private companies, academia, and nonprofit organizations. Since much of the information in a GIS comes from existing maps, a GIS uses the processing power of the computer to transform digital information, gathered from sources with different projections, to a common projection.

The use of a GIS can encourage cooperation and communication among the organizations involved in environmental protection, planning, and resource management. The collection of data for a GIS is costly. Data collection can require very specialized computer equipment and technical expertise. Still GIS technology is becoming an essential tool in the effort to understand the process of global change. It is believed that GIS and related technology will help analyze large datasets, allowing a better understanding of terrestrial processes and human activities to improve economic vitality and environmental quality. A GIS, therefore, can reveal important new information that leads to better decision-making.

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* Contributed by -
Saurabh Singh,
MBA Global,
IMT Nagpur.