GIS and Mapping Technologies

A geographic information system (GIS) is a system that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there). This provides a foundation for mapping and analysis that is used in science and almost every industry. GIS helps users understand patterns, relationships, and geographic context. The benefits include improved communication and efficiency as well as better management and decision making. (ESRI)

Geographical Information Systems is a collection of computer hardware, software (GIS program), and geographic data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.

The following map is created on Google Earth by E Agalliu

Quotes on “What is GIS?”

“In the strictest sense, a GIS is a computer system capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, and displaying geographically referenced information, i.e. data identified according to their locations. Practitioners also regard the total GIS as including operating personnel and the data that go into the system.” ~ USGS“

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing things that exist and events that happen on earth. GIS technology integrates common database operations such as query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps.” ~ Esri

“GIS is an integrated system of computer hardware, software, and trained personnel linking topographic, demographic, utility, facility, image and other resource data that is geographically referenced.” ~ NASA 

“A geographic information system is a special case of information systems where the database consists of observations on spatially distributed features, activities or events, which are definable in space as points, lines, or areas. A geographic information system manipulates data about these points, lines, and areas to retrieve data for ad hoc queries and analyses” (Kenneth Dueker,Portland State University, 1979).

All of Touro's print books can be found by searching the catalog (above, or under the "Catalog" tab on the library homepage). If a print book you'd like is at a different campus, learn how to request it. 

For eBooks use the eBooks link on library homepage.

The items below are just a sampling of the many titles available:

To find additional quality information online, try using Google Scholar, which searches an academically-oriented subset of online materials:

Here is a list of GIS softwares available for use: