WHAT IS A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is best defined as a “system of software with capabilities of management, analysis and display of geographic data.” In its broader usage, a GIS includes the hardware, personnel, administrative structure, operational procedures and information contained in the system itself.” A GIS is a powerful computer tool that allows various types of spatial and nonspatial information to be viewed and analyzed. A GIS allows information from a specified database to be mapped for a particular area. For example, a GIS can produce a map of wetlands in Rensselaer County. This information is contained in data layers, sometimes known as “coverages.” A GIS involves much more than merely “computer mapping,” and can also combine different types of information for analysis of an area or subject of interest. Comparisons of various factors can be made by creating overlays of the different types of information. For example, wetlands, soil conditions, and property boundaries c
