---
title: "Short note: GIS advantages and applications"
subject: "Surveying II"
chapter: 10
key: "semester_4/surveying_ii:gis-advantages-applications"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/surveying_ii/gis-advantages-applications
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: GIS advantages and applications

Surveying II · Chapter 10: Geographic Information System (GIS)

- Asked in: 2080 Chaitra, 4 marks
- Video: [What Is GIS? A Guide to Geographic Information Systems](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hau_ZCmN8eU) — Spatial Zone
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/surveying_ii/gis-advantages-applications
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_4/surveying_ii/chapter-10

## Question

What is GIS? Why is GIS advantageous than other mapping tools? Mention the application of GIS.

## Short answer

GIS is a computer system for capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data integrated with attributes. It outperforms conventional mapping by enabling easy updates, multi-layer analysis (overlay, query), dynamic scaling, and decision support. Applications include route selection, urban planning, utility management, hazard mapping, and environmental assessment.

## Answer

A **Geographic Information System (GIS)** is a computer-based system for the capture, storage, management, analysis and display of spatially referenced data, linking maps with attribute information.

#### Why GIS is better than other mapping tools
| Point | Conventional maps / CAD | GIS |
|---|---|---|
| Data | Graphics only | Spatial plus attribute data |
| Updating | Redrawing needed | Easy and fast |
| Analysis | Little or none | Overlay, buffer, network, query |
| Layers | Fixed, one sheet | Many layers on or off |
| Storage | Paper, large space | Compact digital database |
| Scale | Fixed | Any scale and projection |
| Output | One map | Maps, tables and reports on demand |

- Integrates data from surveying, GPS, remote sensing and photogrammetry.
- Helps decision making with "what-if" analysis.

#### Applications
- Route and site selection, urban and land use planning, cadastral mapping.
- Utility network management, transport planning.
- Water resources, flood and landslide hazard mapping, disaster management.
- Environmental monitoring and impact assessment.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is GIS?
   A. A computer-based system for capture, storage, management, analysis and display of spatial data
   B. A hand-drawn map
   C. A type of theodolite
   D. A compass-based survey system
   Answer: A. GIS links maps with attribute information. (Key point: GIS definition)

2. How is GIS better than conventional maps or CAD?
   A. It holds graphics only
   B. It holds spatial and attribute data, is easy to update and supports overlay and query analysis
   C. It must be redrawn for updates
   D. It has a fixed scale and a single sheet
   Answer: B. Conventional maps have graphics only, limited analysis and need redrawing. (Key point: GIS vs conventional maps)

3. How does GIS treat layers and scale?
   A. One fixed sheet at one scale
   B. Layers can't be separated
   C. Many layers can be turned on or off and any scale or projection can be used
   D. Only one projection is allowed
   Answer: C. Layers and scale are flexible in GIS. (Key point: Layers)

4. How does GIS help decision making?
   A. By removing the need for any data
   B. By producing only one fixed map
   C. By measuring in the field
   D. By what-if analysis and integrating data from surveying, GPS, remote sensing and photogrammetry
   Answer: D. GIS integrates data sources and supports what-if analysis. (Key point: Decision support)

## Related in Surveying II

- [Short note: Define photogrammetry, GIS applications](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Aphotogrammetry-define-gis-applications) — Surveying II, chapter 10
- [GPS principle and components, GIS applications](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Agps-principle-gis-applications) — Surveying II, chapter 8, asked 2×
- [Short note: GIS and its applications](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Agis-applications-civil) — Surveying II, chapter 10, asked 5×
- [Short note: GIS components and sub-systems](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Agis-components-subsystems) — Surveying II, chapter 10, asked 11×

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