Geographic Information System

Pronunciation
/JE-o-graph-ik in-FOR-ma-shun SIS-tem/
Category
Technology
Singular
Geographic Information System
Plural
Geographic Information Systems

Definition

A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, and display spatial data, often used in the study of species distribution and habitat mapping in entomology and arachnology.

Etymology

From the combination of 'geographic' (relating to Earth) and 'information system' (a system for processing data).

Example

GIS is used to map the distribution of insect populations and their habitats.

Related Terms

  • Spatial data
  • Mapping
  • Analysis