Abstract
This chapter introduces geographical information systems (GIS) by describing some fundamental concepts important to them in more detail. It aims to help the newcomer to GIS and to provide some understanding of what GIS are and what they can be used for. The concept of GIS will be described in a number of ways: formal definition, examination of distinguishing features in regard to other information systems, the type of questions it can help answer, its ability to carry out certain specific operations and, listing the components a GIS comprises. In addition, the subject matters of this chapter are both the latest developments in the fields of hardware and software in a GIS environment and future directions and trends in these fields. As the concept of GIS not only includes hardware and software, this chapter will, in addition, briefly consider types of data and data storage and the different types of user groups and their differentiated GIS needs.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Berry, J.K. (1986). Learning computer assisted map analysis. J Forestry, 39–43.
Birkin, M., G.P. Clarke, M. Clarke & A.G. Wilson (1987). Geographical information systems and model-based locational analysis: ships in the night or the beginnings of a relationship? Leeds, School of Geography, University of Leeds.
Burrough, P. A. (1986). Principles of geographical information systems for land resources management. Monographs on Soil and Resources Survey 12. Oxford, Clarendon Press.
Calkins, H.W. & R.F. Tomlinson (1984). Basic readings in geographic information systems. Williamsville, SPAD Systems.
Clarke, K.C. (1986). Recent trends in geographic information system research. In: Geoprocessing, 3, pp. 1–15.
Dangermond, J. (1990). How to cope with geographical information systems in your organisation. In: H.J. Scholten & J.C.H. Stilwell, ed. Geographical information systems for urban and regional planning. Dordrecht, Kluwer. Academic Publishers.
Fedra, K. & R. Reitsma (1990). Decision support and geographical information systems. In: H.J. Scholten & J.C.H. Stillwell, ed. Geographical information systems for urban and regional planning. Dordrecht, Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Marble, D.F. & D.J. Peuquet (1983). Geographic information systems and remote sensing. Manual of Remote Sensing, Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, USA.
Meijer, E., M. Meijer & M. van der Vlugt (1990). The integration of different GIS-platforms in practice. In: Harts, J.J., H.F.L. Ottens & H.J. Scholten ed. EGIS’90 proceedings. Utrecht, EGIS Foundation.
Nijkamp, P. (1990). Geographical information systems in perspective. In: H.J. Scholten & J.C.H. Stillwell, ed. Geographical information systems for urban and regional planning. Dordrecht, Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Openshaw, S. (1990). Spatial analysis and geographical information systems: a review of progress and possibilities. In: H.J. Scholten & J.C.H. Stillwell, ed. Geographical information systems for urban and regional planning. Dordrecht, Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Openshaw, S. & M. Charlton (1990). Applying GIS to small area health statistics system. Paper presented at the SASHU Technical Workshop in collaboration with WHO, 22 June 1990, London.
Parker, D.H. (1988). The unique qualities of a geographic information system: a commentary. In: PE&RS, 54 pp. 1547–1549.
Scholten, H.J. & M. van der Vlugt (1990). GIS in Europe, a state of the art, In: Worrall, L., ed. Information systems for urban and regional policy analysis. London, Bellhaven press.
Scholten, H.J. & P. Padding (1990). Working with GIS in a policy environment. In: Environment and planning B: planning and design, 17: 405–416.
van Beurden, A.U.C.J. & H.J. Scholten (1990). The environmental geographical information systems of the Netherlands and its organizational implications. In: Harts, J.J., H.F.L. Ottens & H.J. Scholten ed., EGIS’90 Proceedings, EGIS Foundation, Utrecht.
van Beurden, A.U.C.J. & H.J. Scholten (1992). Analytical capabilities and possibilities of geographical information systems. In: New technologies and techniques for statistics. Eurostat proceedings. Luxembourg, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, pp. 159–171.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1995 Kluwer Academic Publishers
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Scholten, H.J., de Lepper, M.J.C. (1995). An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems. In: De Lepper, M.J.C., Scholten, H.J., Stern, R.M. (eds) The Added Value of Geographical Information Systems in Public and Environmental Health. The GeoJournal Library, vol 24. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-585-31560-7_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-585-31560-7_4
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-0-7923-1887-3
Online ISBN: 978-0-585-31560-7
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive