GPS refers to a Geographic Positioning System. GPS receivers interpret signals from satellites to determine the receiver's location anywhere on earth. The signal bounces from Earth to space and back. Most GPS receivers process and display this information to give users a graphical indication of their place, direction and rate of travel -- all superimposed on a map.the point is to get you from point A to point B without having to ask a stranger for directions. Any baby boomer man can appreciate that.
GIS refers to Geographic Information Systems. Although just about any information can be shown on a map, GIS mapping techniques can show complex patterns of social, physical and environmental data in very meaningful ways. GoogleMaps and GoogleEarth are two examples of open GIS.
Have you heard about Google's project to physically send vans out through the United States and attempt to photograph every neighborhood in the nation? 21st Century sociolology at work, here. Other professional systems include Autodesk and ESRI
So the point of GIS is to allow you to observe and study mapping information and then interpret it yourself. These systems are terrific for locating addresses before you hit the road, and then downloading a map from services like Rand McNally or Mapquest. Good for people who don't have a GPS in the car.
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Print | posted @ Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:03 AM