ABSTRACT

This entry, describing the world of geographic information systems (GIS), begins with a synopsis of the considerable academic debate over the classification of GIS as a tool or a science. The state of the art for GIS technology is described along with the concern over the teaching of spatial thinking, a necessary prerequisite for the successful use of GIS. The importance of spatial autocorrelation in the statistical analysis of geographic data is explained. Recent developments including public participation GIS and volunteer geographic information are recounted. The second part of the entry describes GIS applications and software packages along with the anticipated future for GIS. This entry concludes with a resource section that includes information on GIS Day and GIS conferences, journals, books, and organizations.