GIS finds its usage in scientific investigation, asset management, resource management, environmental impact assessment, archaeology, cartography, urban planning, criminology, marketing, logistics, geographic history and other issues. For example, it might give an opportunity to emergency planners for easily calculating an urgent response time in cases when there is a natural disaster. The system may also be used for finding wetlands, which require protection from the pollution. Again, it can be utilized by companies for a website, which has a new business location for taking advantage of the previously underserved markets.
Discipline-Specific Tools:
1. Cartography and Computer Assisted Drafting
2. Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
3. Spatial Statistics
4. Geographic Information Systems
In geography, most innovations in information technology application began in the late 50s, 60s, and early 70s. Sophisticated mathematical methods with a blend of statistical modeling have been developed. Researchers began envisioning GIS development. The mid-70s to early 90s were a period for contagion. The first software in this system, which had commercial applications, was made available in late 70s. This led to a number of experiments in the early 80s. It was turning out to be an exciting time for everyone, where the development of wonderful tools coupled with availability of an inexpensive computer permitted several researchers to test out fresh ideas for the first time.
The strengths and weaknesses of a number of information technologies were apparent. This is when researchers started working together for cultivating the most capable application on a considerably large scale. Arguably, the entire integration of the IT field in geography is yet to be achieved.
In the context of such innovations, GIS has served a very much an imperative role to integrate technology. It has evolved by linking different discrete technologies into a single one, which is going to be greater than the sum of the parts. The system has emerged as a powerful option because it allows geographers to integrate their data and methods in a manner which supports a traditional form of geographical analysis. With this system, you can map, query, model and analyze a huge chunk of data which is held together inside a single database. This is why the demand as well as the remuneration for the job is quite high.
The benefits of GIS as an integrated technology can be easily understood by its pedigree. The development of the system has rallied on innovating different disciplines: Geography, Remote Sensing, Cartography, Photogrammer, Surveying, Civil Engineering, Geodesy, and Statistics. Indeed, you can find several interesting applications discussed here drawing upon the interdisciplinary character and heritage. With the proper approach and discipline, one can easily excel in this field and make a good living.
