| CUL Home | > | The Edwin J. Foscue Map Library | > | What Is GIS? |
GIS stands for
“Geographic Information Systems.” A GIS is much more than a computer software
map making tool. It is a framework for understanding our world and applying
geographic knowledge to solve problems and guide human behavior. The combination
of software and know-how in a GIS:
• Produces information that answers questions;
• Presents geographic patterns in data so researchers can visualize
relationships and connections;
• Serves as a key tool for developing understanding, making informed decisions,
and sharing information that has a spatial element with others.
GIS software is mapping software that links this information about where things are with information about what things are like. Unlike a paper map, which is strictly "what you see is what you get," a GIS map dynamically combines many different layers of information and can be used for a myriad of purposes.
For more information on GIS you can visit: http://www.gis.com.
The Edwin J.
Foscue Map Library currently has two GIS workstations outfitted with Arc-View,
ArcGIS Spatial Analyst, ArcGIS 3D Analyst, ArcGIS Geostatistical
Analyst, and Golden Software MapViewer.
Map Library staff are also available to assist SMU students, faculty, and staff with locating GIS datasets for their use.
