The Geographic Information System Program - Research Paper Example

The Geographic Information System Program In a highly evolving world of technology, creative innovations have found their way into the human way of life, with computers considered the most important in the history. As such, society is heavily dependent on computers and information brought forth in efforts to facilitate an easy existence. It is through the application of computers that data representing various concepts in the world can be stored, analyzed, and presented in a simplified format as desired. This facilitates the decision making process in the society, as most choices are dependent on details about the immediate surroundings. In essence, information about specific places on the earth’s surface influences economic, social, and political activities with society opting for hospitable regions. This is facilitated by the availability of geographical information that distinguishes regions by physical principles, which necessary for effective planning and development in modern society. Such information is derived from maps and satellite images, which then analyzed and presented in accordance to the desired parameters such as terrain, population, among other analytes. Over the years, specialized computer systems have employed to process geographical information such as digitization of raw data, storage, automated analysis of the data, and predict outcomes of various scenarios. Such sophisticated computations are made possible by geographical information systems (GIS), which illustrate the computer-based capacity to manipulate geographical data. These systems include not include basic computer hardware and software, but also special input and output devices to create map products. GIS also includes a communication system that allows linking of various stations for comprehensive data collection. The system functions to acquire, verify, compile, store, manage, analyze, and present geographical data on demand in various formats as per the study requirements. In light of this, the information presented is vital for researchers to map, study, and understand trends and patterns affecting the society. As such, GIS play a critical role in planning and management of various aspects that could otherwise impact the society negatively. The application of the geographical information system is preceded by the art of making maps where GIS sought to modernize the trade. Past civilizations are credited for their role in shaping descriptive illustration of their surroundings, which fuelled advancements in the area. Cartography dates back to ancient civilizations where scholars and explorers passionately expressed their view of the world, as they perceived it, similar concepts were adopted with technological advances to generate digitized models of desired regions of the earth. This can be attributed to the quest towards improved geo-referenced information at the height of photo zincography, which enabled layering in maps. This involved cumbersome tasks of drawing different versions of a single map to demonstrate layers such as vegetation, terrain, and infrastructure. The upsurge of computer hardware development in 1960s saw mainframe computers support the earliest of geographical information systems. The first operational GIS was developed by Dr Roger Tomlinson with aim of studying rural Canada, which allowed researchers evaluate the land’s capability to host agriculture, wildlife, as well as support the society.1 Technological advances produced minicomputers during the 1970s to support GIS applications, which operated in a timesharing mode to ensure functionality.2 Moreover, the invention of personal computers revolutionized the geographical information software, as it was readily available for these machines. This marked the beginning of a promising GIS hardware market that would see the invention of increasingly powerful computers with increased capability to be networked together. Software companies would develop applications that offer comprehensive data services, a move that shifted GIS from research and into business enterprises. The internet revolutionized GIS largely as information gathered over a long period was accessible by interested parties following consolidation of data obtained. GIS databases are constantly updated to maintain a current state of affairs while providing a rich history to researchers and the public. As already established, geographical information systems serve to transform and replace the cumbersome manual undertaking of making maps. GIS provide enormous processing power that can handle large amounts of data, analyze, and provide results desired results in a limited amount time. As such, large quantities of data from a given region can be analyzed simultaneously to produce distinct information such as statistical demographics or geographical features.3 Furthermore, GIS facilitates studies that cover large areas such as a town, county, state, or the world based on the research parameters. Such studies produce enormous data that can be effectively analyzed by GIS to their individual difference and relation to another. For instance, using geographical information system, one can study various properties in a region and their economic value in relation to the amenities available. Similarly, GIS facilitates data storage and management for future reference where comparisons are made to project future scenarios. This is a key aspect in risk assessment especially in businesses, as policy makers are guided by emerging trends in the market; GIS systems are regarded as robust and more often than not avoid any damage owing to the technology behind their existence. This can be attributed to protective measures often installed to monitor operations and effective use of the infrastructure. The financial repercussions of employing the services of GIS in business cannot be understated since purchasing patterns can be observed and policies made to capitalize on the trend. The system provides faster and highly efficient analysis of data, thus saving time and resources that would been otherwise spent on cumbersome research. In addition, GIS is regarded as an asset to the business owing to its capacity to increase the value of information gathered from its application. However, the installation and implementation of GIS protocols is relatively expensive with regard to hardware and software purchases. The system also requires trained personnel to operate owing to vast technicalities that are involved in data manipulation, which may result in wrong information following mishandling. Similarly, the system requires large quantities of data inputs to increase the level of accuracy at the provided scale or area of study. Another limitation is based on the shape of the earth whose spherical nature increases the geographical error when researchers in target a large area. An operational geographical information system is based on four key aspects namely data, hardware/software, expertise, and the organization. GIS is an assemblage of these components that go hand in hand with a successful implementation and generation of relevant information. It important to balance these aspects as each plays a vital in compiling, manipulating, analysis, and presentation of information. The hardware facilitates software operations that allow various applications manage data provided using query tools.4 Appropriate hardware is required for data input, storage, and database management while GIS software packages function as the interface between the operator and the hardware. Data is a critical feature and apparently, an expensive component of GIS following the methods used to obtain it. Essentially, geographical data is digitized to obtain soft copies of maps indicating infrastructure, landmarks, and other identifying features. This data represents the perception of the real world can be manipulated to indicate desired statistical projections as well as define patterns and emerging trends In order to manipulate the data, competent personnel are required efficiency and to deliver relevant and accurate results. Organizations that seek to implement the GIS train their personnel according to the institution’s area of specialization or target market. This is distinct in security agencies that trained their own to operate GIS system in resolution and tracking of criminal activities. In light of this, it is critical that institutions develop operation models that aim at achieving their goals while maintaining the benefits related to GIS. This encourages proper structuring of an institution during the implementation period where roles are assigned based on personnel competencies. As such, focus is equally distributed to all aspects of GIS as opposed to the norm where technology is overemphasized, thus underestimating organizational tasks. Geographical information system provides crucial links to other management systems with aim of improving operational protocols and enhances efficiency. One of the critical links established lies with management information system, which improves data analysis, presentation, and application. GIS provide enriched research databases that are often consolidated to present renowned concepts on patterns and trends of modern societies. The software infrastructure also presents an opportunity for the business to sustain a competitive advantage in the evolving world of information technology in business. This is achieved by ensuring cooperation and integration of various departments in an organization and is in line with information technology, a key aspect in relation to effective management. Among the organizations that seek the services of geographical information, system is Centre for Disease Control and Prevention whose role in the society is aimed at studying disease patterns. AT CDC, GIS is useful in the evaluation of geographical relationships with disease, which is critical for epidemiological studies that includes mapping prevalence, monitoring spread and similarities, as well as predicting future outbreaks.5 The system provides a great opportunity for the digitization of databases, which is critical for fast analysis of data for use by policy makers. In this manner, GIS facilitates sound decision making with regard to promotion of health and prevention of disease outbreaks; therefore, GIS facilitates sound decision making with regard to promotion of overall healthy well-being and alleviation of disease outbreaks. Bibliography Liebenberg, Elri and Demhardt, Imre. History of Cartography: International Symposium of the ICA Commission, Columbus: Springer, 2012. Print. Bernhardsen,Tor.Geographic Information Systems: An Introduction. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2002. Print. “Geofutures” accessed 21 June 2013. http://www.geofutures.com/what-is-gis/pros-and-cons-of-gis/ “What is GIS?” CDC 2006, accessed 21 June 2013. http://www.cdc.gov/gis/whatis.htm Coppock, J and Rhind, D. The History of GIS. n.d. accessed 21 June 2013. http://www.grossmont.edu/judd.curran/History_of_GIS.pdf Read More