Geographic Information Systems and Science

Geographic information science is a relatively new discipline that has emerged from the evolution of digital cartography, and improvements in computer technology over the past 30 years. The term geographic information science, or GISci, applies to the theoretical underpinnings of the technology, including database theory, methods of analysis, visualization techniques, and societal implications of these technologies. The evolution of the fi eld is evident in how the term most commonly used until the mid-1990s was geographic information systems (GISs), which refers to the hardware and software components. Unfortunately, most individuals use the term GIS to refer to the systems themselves, and are unaware of the rapidly evolving science.