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Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Encyclopedia of Coastal Science

Part of the book series: Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series ((EESS))

  • 123 Accesses

Definition

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computerized spatial decision-making tools that work with place-based information and allow users to display, manage, and analyze geographic data. Since coastal features typically show distinct spatial patterning, coastal managers and scientists have incorporated this technology from its beginnings. However, coastal data often represent dynamic, multidimensional systems that present problems to this historically land-based technology.

History

The concept of a GIS originated from noncomputerized decision-making techniques. One classic example is a decision-making technique developed by Ian McHarg, a landscape architect and author of Design with Nature. McHarg’s method for identifying suitable locations for development was based on defining the most favorable characteristics of various sets of information such as slope, soil type, geology, land use, and accessibility and then combining the layers into a composite map (McHarg 1969)....

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vashon, WA, USA

    Shawn M. Boeser

  2. Wollongong University, Wollongong, NSW, Australia

    Sarah M. Hamylton

Authors
  1. Shawn M. Boeser
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  2. Sarah M. Hamylton
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shawn M. Boeser .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Coastal Education & Research Foundation, Fletcher, North Carolina, USA

    Charles W. Finkl

  2. Coastal Education & Research Foundation , Coconut Creek, Florida, USA

    Christopher Makowski

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Boeser, S.M., Hamylton, S.M. (2018). Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In: Finkl, C., Makowski, C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Coastal Science . Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48657-4_149-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48657-4_149-2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-48657-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-48657-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Earth and Environm. ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Earth and Environmental Sciences

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