A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer - based tool for mapping and analyzing things that exist and events that happen on earth. GIS technology integrates common database operations such as query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps. These abilities distinguish GIS from other information systems and make it valuable to a wide range of public and private enterprises for explaining events, predicting outcomes, and planning strategies.

Why GIS?

Local governments are increasingly required to operate with the speed and efficiency of private business while facing ever more complex political and regulatory issues. Local governments must digest a huge amount of information to perform their duties in a fair and sound manner. Only a GIS has the data management tools to help local government accomplish its task. GIS technology provides a flexible set of tools to perform the diverse functions of government. More important, it makes data sharing among departments easy so that the government can work as an efficient, single enterprise.

What GIS technology can do for you

The demand for serving dynamic maps and related data is increasing. Government organisations add digital maps to their Web sites as a public service, while commercial organisation need to provide customers with geographic information pertaining to their services and products. With the next generation of the Arc Internet Map Server (ArcIMS), interactive maps can be created from a number of different types of spatial data which can be easily published on the Web. The features available through this updated technology allow users greater flexibility to view the spatial features they need. In addition to this, the data can be stored securely in a relational database providing greater functionality and reduced response times.