Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The ongoing technological and computer revolution is radically transforming the study of the environment, including the types of data that can be obtained and the processes that can be modeled. A fundamental characteristic of most environmental data and processes is that of geographic location and spatial relationships. Great advances have been made in the ability to obtain, store, and analyze spatial data. A understanding of the properties of geographical data and digital spatial data handling methods is now considered essential for many if not most environmental applications.
The various geospatial technologies can be classified as follows:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Digital Mapping and Cartography
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Remote Sensing
Scientific Visualization