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Geographic Information Science (GIS) is a sub-field of geography concerned with the acquisition, storage, analysis and communication of geographic information. In addition, GIS involves primary research on the manner in which knowledged is acquired from spatially referenced data. Clark University has been a leading institution in the development of GIS since the mid-1980s. |
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Geographic
information analysts have applied skills in the fields of geodesy,
cartography, remote sensing, spatial analysis and decision science, and
strong working knowledge of global positioning system, geographic
information system and digital image processing software, as well as dynamic
modeling and geostatistics. They are skilled in the problems of spatial
georeferencing, error modeling and the propagation of uncertainty, the
modeling of spatial processes, and procedures for multi-criteria and
multi-objective decision making. In addition, they have the graphic
communication and cartographic skills required for the production of
effective map displays and geographic information presentations.
Geographic Information
Science vs. Geographic Information System
A Geographic Information System consists of a database of spatial
information (such as digital map data and satellite imagery) along with
specialized software for the management, display and analysis of those data.
GIS technology has grown enormously over the past 30 years, to the point
where it is ubiquitous in the mapping, analysis and management of spatially
distributed resources. GIS software is in daily use in areas as diverse as
urban systems management, regional planning, emergency response,
epidemiology, landscape architecture, environmental planning, forestry,
geology, ecology, park management, power utilities, and the like.
Geographic Information Science (sometimes abbreviated GISci) has grown out of the development of Geographic Information Systems as a technology. As GIS has developed, so too has the scientific expertise needed to support its development and continued activity. It is a sub-field of Geography concerned with the development and utilization of Geographic Information Systems. Thus it is concerned with all facets of the acquisition, storage, analysis and communication of geographic information. Note that in some countries, the term Geomatics is virtually synonymous with Geographic Information Science.
Geographic Information Science has both
an applied and a theoretical side. Organizations such as the National Center
for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) and the University
Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS) coordinate the
theoretical development of the discipline. However, the term is also used to
describe the program of studies required to become a GIS analyst (as it is
here).
At Clark, we use the acronym GIS to refer to both Geographic Information Science and Geographic Information System.
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Using IDRISI GIS to query those Eastern Massachusetts towns in which median home value exceeds four times median income. Click to enlarge.
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Additional Resources
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