Village of Wellington GIS

Related GIS Technology
 

GISs are closely related to several other types of information systems, but it is the ability to manipulate and analyze geographic data that sets GIS technology apart. Although there are no hard and fast rules about how to classify information systems, the following discussion should help to differentiate GIS from desktop mapping, computer-aided design (CAD), remote sensing, and DBMS.

Desktop Mapping
A desktop mapping system uses the map metaphor to organize data and user interaction. The focus of such systems is the creation of maps: the map is the database. Most desktop mapping systems have more limited data management, spatial analysis, and customization capabilities. Desktop mapping systems operate on desktop computers such as PCs, Macintoshes, and smaller UNIX machines.

CAD
CAD systems evolved to create designs and plans of buildings and infrastructure. This activity required that components of fixed characteristics be assembled to create the whole structure. These systems require few rules to specify how components can be assembled and very limited analytical capabilities. CAD systems have been extended to support maps but typically have limited utility for managing and analyzing large geographic databases.

Remote Sensing
Remote sensing is the art and science of making measurements of the earth from sensors, such as cameras carried on airplanes, satellites, or other devices. These sensors collect data in the form of images. Remote sensing systems provide specialized capabilities for manipulating, analyzing, and visualizing images. Without strong geographic data management and analytical operations they can not be called true GIS.

DBMS
Database management systems specialize in the storage and management of all types of data including geographic data. DBMSs are optimized to store and retrieve data and many GISs rely on them for this purpose. They do not have the analytic and visualization tools common to GIS.