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GIS: A Step Above Essay

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GIS: A Step Above

Urban growth in the suburbs and maintaining what is already built is one problem facing the United States today. One difficulty in regional planning is the visualization of the area in question. Finding the problem areas, addressing all the issues involved, and discovering the best way to implement changes can create challenges for those in charge. A technology that is growing to accommodate the various areas of study which helps address these issues is Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Geographical Information Systems is the prime tool for spatial research.

GIS at work Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used in a wide variety of businesses across the United States. The program can compile …show more content…

“Over the past five years, Geographic information systems have become powerful graphical database tools, useful to everyone from city planners to departments of transportation, from environmental scientists to cartographers.” (Denes 62)

GIS has been incorporated into creating the infrastructure of cities. For example, managing and operating a water system require detailed records and measurements. As GIS technology improves, it becomes easier and more advantageous for companies to use it to log information and track the running of the system. “Successful use of a GIS requires that basic computer system design procedures be integrated with characteristics unique to GIS applications.” (Kaufman 71) The use of this technology requires accurate, detailed statistics about the physical, economic, and spatial elements of the area of study. The GIS maintenance system used to regulate and map water systems “incorporates field experience, environmental conditions, hydraulic characteristics of the distribution system, and service requirements.” (Kaufman 75) These detailed figures are necessary when using a GIS system, otherwise the program is unable to compile the correct, specific, desired results.

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