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The term Geographic implies at the very least notions of dealing with the surface of the earth. A realistic generalization of this term might expand the idea of the earth's surface to include notions of dealing with the concepts of space itself. Information is knowledge acquired from facts and data. These facts and data are characteristics abstracted from phenomena under study. Collecting, assembling, and integrating these data provides knowledge and intelligence about phenomena being studied. A System is a method or a plan or procedure with operational rules to establish order and assemble a set or arrangement of data. If the data integration results in knowledge and contains information of a spatial nature, then the system is a GIS. Contemporary definitions also imply the notion of a computer based system.
In simpler terms, a geographic information system is an extremely informative map. Recent applications of this technology include the development of computerized maps for rental cars, irrigation systems which aid in crop management, and land use planning.
How it works: Spatial information
Models that endeavor to measure environmental hazard and risk can play an important role in improving
decision-making and in the development and formulation of policy. Models once considered too abstract
for the real world may now be integrated into the decision-making process by developing the model within
a geographic information system (GIS). By framing the analysis within a GIS, we create the ability to detect spatial patterns across regions wherein policy can be developed, administered and its impact measured.
Powerful new GIS technologies have emerged in recent years which greatly improve our ability to collect, store, analyze, and use information about the locations and features of the earth's surface. Because the nature of Science is reductionist, an informational system made operational in a computer environment must be used to gather, assemble, and analyze vast amounts of environmental data. The GIS can link digital spatial information such as data and attributes about a particular location and thereby allows policy to transcend political boundaries. The implications of this sort of analysis are immense. Potentially, our land management system will be redefined as a civic rather than a territorial duty.
Natural hazards do not recognize political boundaries, yet in order to effectively mitigate against disaster, policy must be generated and is usually administered within politically defined boundaries. GIS is particularly useful for accomplishing this task. In this instance, a GIS provides a systematic framework to estimate potential fire risk over several political jurisdictions, towns, regions, park districts and private utility water sheds. This, in turn, aids in the formulation and implementation of policy to mitigate hazardous conditions in both wildland and urban areas.
For additional information about GIS, contact aegis@ced.berkeley.edu