"A geographic information system (GIS) consists of integrated computer hardware and software that store, manage, analyze, edit, output, and visualize geographic data."
Computer systems used to store, manipulate, and analyze geographic data.
Geography: The study of the Earth's physical features and the relationships between them.
Topology: The study of the relationships between different geographic features, such as points, lines, and polygons.
Coordinate systems: A system used to define positions on the Earth's surface.
Spatial analysis: The study of geographic relationships and patterns.
Remote sensing: The collection of data about the Earth's surface using methods such as satellite imagery and aerial photography.
Data acquisition: Collecting data about geographic features and storing it in a database.
Data processing: Manipulating and organizing data to generate maps and other visualizations.
Data management: Storing, retrieving, and managing geographic data in a database.
Map design: Creating maps that convey information effectively.
Spatial statistics: Analyzing and interpreting data related to geographic features.
Geocoding: Assigning geographic coordinates to address or location data.
GIS software: Using software tools to create and manage geographic data and generate maps and visualizations.
Cartographic principles: Understanding the concepts of visual design, readability, and information hierarchy in map making.
Spatial data infrastructure: Understanding the development and maintenance of data infrastructure that supports the use of geospatial data.
Global positioning systems: A system used to determine the precise location of objects and features on the Earth's surface.
Desktop GIS: It is a comprehensive GIS software that is installed on a desktop computer. It provides users with a range of tools for creating, analyzing, and managing spatial data.
Web GIS: It is a GIS that is accessed through a web browser. Instead of installing the software on a desktop, users can access the GIS and its features through the internet.
Mobile GIS: A GIS that is designed to be used on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It is used for field data collection, navigation, and mapping.
Server GIS: It is a GIS that is hosted on a server and accessed over the internet. It is used to manage and disseminate geospatial data.
Cloud GIS: It is a GIS that is hosted on a cloud computing platform such as Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure. It offers users the ability to store, process, and share geospatial data.
3D GIS: It is a GIS that allows users to create and visualize spatial data in three dimensions. It is commonly used in urban planning, engineering, and environmental analysis.
Open Source GIS: It is a GIS that is based on open-source software. It is usually free to use and modify, making it an accessible option for individuals and small organizations.
Geodatabases: It is a database designed to store geospatial data. It provides a range of tools for managing and analyzing spatial data, including data models and spatial analysis functions.
Online Mapping Platforms: This software provides a way to create and share maps online. Many of these platforms, such as Google Maps and Mapbox, offer APIs to enable developers to create customized map applications.
"[A GIS] consists of integrated computer hardware and software that store, manage, analyze, edit, output, and visualize geographic data."
"Much of this often happens within a spatial database, however, this is not essential to meet the definition of a GIS."
"One may consider such a system also to include human users and support staff, procedures and workflows, the body of knowledge of relevant concepts and methods, and institutional organizations."
"The uncounted plural, geographic information systems, also abbreviated GIS, is the most common term for the industry and profession concerned with these systems."
"The academic discipline that studies these systems and their underlying geographic principles, may also be abbreviated as GIS, but the unambiguous GIScience is more common."
"They are attached to various operations and numerous applications, that relate to: engineering, planning, management, transport/logistics, insurance, telecommunications, and business."
"GIS and location intelligence applications are at the foundation of location-enabled services, which rely on geographic analysis and visualization."
"GIS provides the capability to relate previously unrelated information, through the use of location as the 'key index variable'."
"Locations and extents that are found in the Earth's spacetime are able to be recorded through the date and time of occurrence, along with x, y, and z coordinates."
"[x, y, and z coordinates representing] longitude (x), latitude (y), and elevation (z)."
"All Earth-based, spatial-temporal, location and extent references should be relatable to one another, and ultimately, to a 'real' physical location or extent."
"This key characteristic of GIS has begun to open new avenues of scientific inquiry and studies." Note: Since not all 20 questions can be answered directly by quotes from the paragraph, I have provided answers for the available quotes.