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In its simplest form, the term "Geographic
Information System," or GIS, is the industry acronym
for a technology that offers a radically different way in which
we produce and use the maps required to manage our communities
and industries. Using computer programs, the technology links
items displayed on a map with records (called "attribute data")
in a database with the answers displayed on a map. The resulting
combination, and the ability to manipulate the data in response
to an number of "what if" scenarios, provides government agencies,
utilities and a long list of private industries with a powerful
and dynamic new tool that has opened doors in management effectiveness
and organizational efficiency. A GIS
creates "intelligent" super maps through which sophisticated
planning and analysis can be performed at the touch of a button.
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