About GIS
A Geographic Information System is a set of computerised tools used to collect, archive, manage, retrieve, analyse and output geographic and other related kinds of attribute data.
A GIS records the geometry and location of real world features in layers of a digital (computerised) map. A computerised map can be likened to an atlas of a specified geographic area, in which each page contains different types of information - for example, topographic information, land use, elevation etc. When all layers are overlaid, a geographical database is created.
Data describing these features are stored in databases linked to each of the map layers. Information can be viewed either through a visual representation, or in tables. A computerised map, for example, showing the location of monuments might be attached to a database that records attributes such as construction dates, construction materials and condition of the monuments.
