--- title: "Geographic Information System" subject: "Information System" chapter: 1 key: "semester_8/information_system:gis-characteristics-uses" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/information_system/gis-characteristics-uses site: BCT Engineering --- # Geographic Information System Information System · Chapter 1: Information Systems - Asked in: 2069 Bhadra (old course), 3+3 marks - Video: [What is GIS?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P17IRpCXTzs) — GIS Simplified - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/information_system/gis-characteristics-uses - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/information_system/chapter-1 ## Question Discuss the characteristics of a Geographic Information System (GIS). Discuss at least five different uses of GIS for scientific/business purpose. ## Short answer A GIS captures, stores, analyzes and displays geographically referenced data using layered spatial and attribute data, supporting overlay and buffering. Its uses include disaster management, urban planning, agriculture, environmental monitoring, business site selection, disease mapping, and route optimization. ## Answer A **Geographic Information System (GIS)** is a computer-based system to capture, store, manage, analyse and display data that is linked to locations on the Earth's surface. #### Characteristics of GIS 1. **Spatial referencing** - every data item has geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude). 2. **Layered data** - maps are stored as layers (roads, rivers, land use, population) that can be overlaid. 3. **Two data types** - spatial (vector points/lines/polygons, raster images) and attribute (tabular) data linked together. 4. **Spatial analysis** - buffering, overlay, proximity, network and route analysis. 5. **Data integration** - combines satellite images, GPS, surveys and databases. 6. **Visualisation** - produces maps, 3D views and charts. 7. **Query and update** - interactive querying of map features; dynamic updating. 8. **Scalable** - works from a local village to global scale. #### Uses of GIS 1. **Disaster management** - mapping flood, landslide and earthquake risk and planning rescue (Nepal earthquake response). 2. **Urban and land-use planning** - road, zoning, utility and property mapping. 3. **Agriculture** - soil, crop and irrigation mapping, yield prediction. 4. **Environment and forestry** - monitoring deforestation, glaciers, wildlife habitat. 5. **Business** - site selection for a new shop or branch, market segmentation, delivery route optimisation. 6. **Telecom and utilities** - tower coverage, pipeline and power line management. 7. **Health** - mapping disease outbreaks. 8. **Transportation** - navigation, traffic management, ride sharing. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What does a GIS handle? A. Only financial transactions B. Data linked to locations on the Earth's surface C. Only text documents D. Only network traffic Answer: B. GIS captures, stores, manages, analyses and displays spatial data. (Key point: Definition) 2. How are maps stored in a GIS? A. As layers such as roads and rivers that can be overlaid B. As one flat image only C. As text lists without coordinates D. As separate unrelated files Answer: A. Layered data allows overlay analysis. (Key point: Layers) 3. Which two types of data does GIS link together? A. Audio and video data B. Input and output data C. Spatial data and attribute (tabular) data D. Public and private data Answer: C. Vector or raster spatial data are linked to attribute tables. (Key point: Data types) 4. Which is a GIS use in business? A. Writing payroll reports B. Typing documents C. Designing compilers D. Site selection for a new shop and delivery route optimisation Answer: D. Location-based analysis supports site selection and routes. (Key point: Use example) ## Related in Information System - [Data mining and business knowledge](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Adata-mining-business-knowledge) — Information System, chapter 4 - [Planning for business/IT strategies](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Aplanning-business-it-strategies) — Information System, chapter 5 - [Cloud technology for small business](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Acloud-for-small-business) — Information System, chapter 8 - [Strategic information system and benefits](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Astrategic-is-benefits) — Information System, chapter 1, asked 2× - [Short note: HR information system](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Ashort-note-hris) — Information System, chapter 6 - [Information audit and its benefits](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finformation_system%3Ainformation-audit-benefits) — Information System, chapter 2 ## Related in other subjects - [Five uses of networks in daily life](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Anetworks-in-life) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 1 - [Restaurant information system requirements](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fsoftware_engineering%3Arestaurant-requirements) — Software Engineering, chapter 1 - [Information age characteristics and unmasking social problems](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Ainfo-age-unmask-problems) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 1 - [Knowledge and characteristics of information age](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Aknowledge-info-age-characteristics) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 1