Village of Wellington GIS

What Makes Up a GIS

A working GIS integrates five key components: hardware, software, data, people, and methods.

Hardware
Hardware is the computer on which a GIS operates. Today, GIS runs on a wide range of hardware types, from centralized computer servers to desktop computers used in stand-alone or networked configurations.

Software
GIS software provides the functions and tools needed to store, analyze, and display geographic information. Key software components are:

• a database management system (DBMS)
• tools for the input and manipulation of geographic information
• tools that support geographic query, analysis, and visualization
• a graphical user interface (GUI) for easy access to tools

Data
Maybe the most important component of a GIS is the data. Geographic data and related tabular data can be collected in-house or bought from a commercial data provider. Most GISs employ a DBMS to create and maintain a database to help organize, manage, and document data.

People
GIS technology is of limited value without the people who manage the system and to develop plans for applying it. GIS users range from technical specialists who design and maintain the system to those who use it to help them do their everyday work.

Methods
A successful GIS operates according to a well-designed plan and business rules, unique to each operation.