Introduction to geographic information system

Introduction: This chapter introduces some basic but very important concepts of GIS, including information, data, information system, spatial data, spatial information and geographic information system. Some concepts, such as spatial information and spatial data, will be further elaborated, in fact, spatial data is also the core of describing the functions of GIS in this book.

GIS is not only a technology, but also a discipline, this chapter also introduces its main research contents and the relationship with other disciplines, such as geography, cartography, remote sensing, etc.

This chapter also introduces the composition, classification, function, development history and prospect of GIS, which will be described in more detail in the following chapters.

• Basic concept of Geographic Information System
  • Information, data, geographic data and geographic information
    • Information
    • Data
    • Geographical information and data
  • Information system and its types
    • Information system
    • Types of information systems
• Geographic Information System and its type
  • Geographic information system
  • Type of geographic information system
  • Composition of geographic information systems
    • Computer hardware system
    • Computer software system
    • System development, management and use of personnel
    • Spatial data
• Overview of the functions of GIS
  • Data collection, monitoring and editing
  • Data processing
  • Data storage and organization
  • Spatial query and analysis
    • Spatial retrieval
    • Spatial topology overlay analysis
    • Spatial model analysis
  • Graphic and interactive display
• Research content of GIS
  • Research contents
    • Research on basic theory of geographic information system
    • GIS technology system design
    • Research on application methods of Geographic Information System
  • GIS related disciplines
    • Geography
    • Cartography
    • Computer science
    • Remote sensing
    • Management science
• A brief history of GIS development
  • The pioneering stage of development in the 1960s
  • Consolidation phase in the 1970s
  • Breakthrough in the 1980s
  • The stage of socialization in the 1990s
• Development prospect of GIS
  • Problems to be solved in the research of GIS theory
    • Demand for the development of GIS theory
    • Problems to be solved in the research of GIS theory
  • Development trends of Geographic Information System
    • Hot spots in GIS software development
    • Practical Geographic Information System Development Trends and Prospects