1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Geographic Information Systems and their Applications
A GIS is a special-purpose digital database in which a common spatial coordinate system is
the primary means of reference ( Foote and Lynch, 1995). A comprehensive GIS requires a
means of:
1. Data input, from maps, aerial photos, satellites, surveys, and other sources
2. Data storage, retrieval, and query
3. Data transformation, analysis, and modeling, including spatial statistics
4. Data reporting, such as maps, reports, and plans
GIS are now used extensively in government, business, and research for a wide range of
applications including environmental resource analysis, landuse planning, locational analysis,
tax appraisal, utility and infrastructure planning, real estate analysis, marketing and
demographic analysis, habitat studies, and archaeological analysis.