Module 2: How GIS works
2.3 Components of a GIS
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GIS is an integrated system consisting of several components: Information about the real world that has been abstracted and simplified into a digital database of spatial and non-spatial features that, in conjunction with specialised software and computer hardware and with the expert judgement of the GIS user, provides answers to spatial questions4,5 
Illustration 2.3.1: The components of a GIS (Maantay/Ziegler 2006: 9)(translated) |
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HardwareThe computer hardware is required to store and process data. The screen is required to display graphics. Devices such as scanners and printers as well as GPS instruments and totalisers for collecting data are also part of the GIS hardware. SoftwareThe data is made accessible with the help of GIS software. Here they can be imported and edited. There are also writing and image editing programmes as well as spreadsheet programmes. DataDigital GIS data contains geographical information. They become accessible with the help of hardware and software. The result always depends on the size, quantity and quality of the data. Depending on the subject area, the data contains specialised information such as geodata, aerial images or elevation models. UsersExperts use GIS to answer spatial questions with the help of information. |
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