Geographical Information Systems Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Geographical Information Systems - Term Paper Example While a definition of what constitutes GIS is central to discussing its role within geography, such a definition is, in fact, difficult to produce since the term is used so variable by different people, some using it to refer to a single system while others use it to designate a system of barely related subsystems (Pickles, in Pickles, 1995, p. 3). Pickles (1995) states that all geographic information systems have two central defining characteristics: They involve the use of digital electronic data and the production of electronic spatial representations (p. 3). Parker (in Castle, 1993, p. xvii) goes even further in simplifying the defining aspect of GIS as being nothing more than data handling  which any mention of geography per se can easily be dropped. Such a bare-bones definition of GIS lends it an appearance of neutrality that is deceptive, for geographers use electronic information technology forward a variety of epistemological perspectives and research goals. Pickles (1995) summarizes the field of possible applications; it should be noted that within each of these possible applications a wide range of philosophies and motivations is possible. [GIS is} a research community that transcends disciplinary boundaries; an approach to geographical inquiry and spatial data handling; a series of technologies for collecting, manipulating, and representing spatial information; a way of thinking about spatial data; a commodified object that has monetary potential and value; and a technical tool that has strategic value (p. 3). Not only is GIS multifaceted in its technical capabilities, it is multidimensional in its social and cultural capabilities as well, allowing for new demographic tools, new forms of workplace domination, novel commodities, new ways of identifying space and nature and new ways of waging war (Pickles, in Pickles, 1995, p. 4).