What are GIS and remote sensing?

Geographic information and imaging systems visually portray layers of information in new ways to reveal relationships, patterns, and trends. Software from vendors such as ESRI and ERDAS provides the functions and tools needed to store, analyze, and display information about places. Indiana University has higher education license agreements with both ESRI and ERDAS that provide students, faculty, and research staff from all campuses with the use of software at reduced costs.

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing feature events on earth. GIS technology integrates common database operations, such as query and statistical analysis, with maps. GIS manages location-based information and provides tools for display and analysis of various statistics, including population characteristics, economic development opportunities, and vegetation types. GIS allows you to link databases and maps to create dynamic displays. Additionally, it provides tools to visualize, query, and overlay those databases in ways not possible with traditional spreadsheets. These abilities distinguish GIS from other information systems, and make it valuable to a wide range of public and private enterprises for explaining events, predicting outcomes, and planning strategies. For more information about GIS, see GIS.com.

Remote sensing is the art and science of making measurements of the earth using sensors on airplanes or satellites. These sensors collect data in the form of images and provide specialized capabilities for manipulating, analyzing, and visualizing those images. Remote sensed imagery is integrated within a GIS. For more information, see NASA's remote sensing tutorial.

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Last modified on October 01, 2008.

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