A geographic (or geographical) information system (GIS) is a system for creating, editing, analysing and displaying geographically-referenced information. At its simplest, this translates to a high-tech equivalent of a map; however, GIS can also be used as a 'smart map' tool that allows users to edit data, create interactive queries and analyse the geographic information.
The origins of GIS date back to the 1960s when it was discovered that maps could be programmed using simple code and then stored in a computer, enabling any future changes. This was a huge leap forward from the days of hand cartography when maps had to be manually created; even small changes required the creation of a new map. This first initial concept has evolved into a system whereby different mapped features can be overlaid on top of each other to determine patterns between spatial (location) data and attribute data (additional information, such as income level of an area, typical climate or vegetation type). It is the combination of these two data types that enables GIS to be such an effective problem solving tool.
The use of GIS has meant that maps can now be produced far more efficiently and quickly than before, and the storage of data in an easily accessible format enables complex analysis and modelling. The system is now used widely across many industries, with applications including crime mapping, public health, national defence, business planning, transportation and logistics.
GIS is also used to provide users with Location Based Services (nearest hotel, petrol station, restaurant). These services have become especially popular since the introduction of portable and hand-held GPS devices. It has also been given mass-market appeal though the widespread of online maps and route planners such as Google Earth and Multimap, allowing users to plan journeys alongside information such as nearby restaurants, petrol station shops and places of interest.
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