GIS Files 1: Getting to grips with GIS

1: Introduction

In this, the first chapter of The GIS files, you will find out about the fundamental building blocks of geographical information systems (GIS) – how information that has traditionally been shown on maps can be converted into computerised form.

In the 1930s and 40s geographical analysis was conducted by overlaying different types of maps of the same area. Since the 1950s systems have evolved to convert this mapping into digital form and more recently to use this data for analysis and problem solving. Nowadays GIS is everywhere; you may even have some GIS software on your PC without even knowing it's there!

To get going, just hit the link below to move to the first section In the beginning...

1.1: In the beginning . . . there were maps (1) >