Geospatial Information and GIS Background and Issues

Geospatial information is data referenced to a place (a set of geographic co-ordinates) which can often be gathered, manipulated, and displayed in real time. A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system capable of capturing, storing, analysing, and displaying geographically referenced information. In recent years consumer demands have skyrocketed for geospatial information tools like GIS to manipulate and display geospatial information. The federal government and policy makers increasingly use geospatial information and tools like GIS for producing floodplain maps, conducting Census, mapping foreclosures, and responding to natural hazards such as wildfires and hurricanes. This book provides an overview on geospatial data and GIS and discusses issues that may be of interest to Congress.