General information about GIS

Geographic information systems (GIS) integrate hardware, software and data for the capturing, management, analysis and visualization of any geospatial information that is related to an exact location on the Earth’s surface. GIS provide the capability for observation, processing, interpretation and visualization of data in many ways, so that relationships, patterns or trends are detected and displayed in the form of suitable maps, charts or reports. GIS can work independently, but are usually integrated with other information systems to provide geospatial data for the solution of various tasks or the creation of complex models.

Typical applications of GIS for the management of various activities are:

• Land management – cadastre, sketches, etc.;
• Infrastructure – roads, pipelines and power lines;
• Fleet management – routes, location tracking, etc.;
• Precision farming – delineation of arable land for cultivation, control of agricultural machinery;
• Emergency management – command centers for the management of floods, industrial accidents, fires, etc.;
• Early warning systems for natural disasters;
• Information systems for citizens and businesses – electronic services by the municipal and central government administration.