What is GIS (Geographic Information System)?

GIS stands for Geographic Information System. It is a system that is designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, and present spatial or geographic data. GIS technology allows users to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts.

GIS is used in many industries, including environmental management, urban planning, natural resource management, transportation planning, and public health. Some common applications of GIS include creating maps of land use, analyzing demographic data, managing utility infrastructure, tracking wildlife habitats, and monitoring air and water quality.

GIS relies on a combination of hardware, software, data, and people to function. The hardware includes computers, servers, and specialized GIS devices such as GPS receivers. The software includes GIS software, databases, and web mapping applications. 

Data can come from a variety of sources, such as government agencies, private companies, and citizen-generated data. Finally, people with GIS training and expertise are essential to designing, implementing, and maintaining GIS systems.