GIS application: specific functionality

Although most GIS software packages share similar features, programs vary in price and functionality. Some have a number of built-in functions whereas others have additional modules/extensions that can be purchased separately to perform specific types of analysis.

The basic functions GIS software should offer can be grouped into data capture, data management, data analysis and representation:

• Data capture - no data, no GIS.
  Data capture functionality could either be the importing of digital data from a disk, network or database, or digitizing it through the use of peripheral devices.
• Data management - quality is essential.
  One step beyond data capture is data editing and maintenance. Editing involves functions such as adding, duplicating and deleting spatial and attribute data as well as creation and management of metadata. Using tools to detect errors and to perform transformations is another aspect of data management.
• Data analysis - ask questions.
  A GIS is typically used to answer questions related to space. For the purpose of finding an answer, a GIS should not only offer tools to query and retrieve data, but also functions for data integration and modelling.
• Visualization - make it visible.
  Any analysis of data is only useful if the final output is also understood by the intended recipient. A GIS offers tools to present data in various ways, ranging from displaying tabular information, over graph/chart production, to printing maps. Some GIS offer advanced visualisation beyond two dimensions, such as digital elevation models (DEM) or digital movie files for "fly throughs". Output can also be shared by storing it on a disk or a webserver, which allows for dynamic views of the data.

Aside from these basic functions, a GIS should also offer ways for customizing and creating new tools and applications according to your needs. Depending on the software, this can either be done through well known programming or scripting languages such as Visual Basic or Python, or through a programming language specifically provided by the application (eg. ESRI's 'Avenue').

Solve the puzzle below to learn more about GIS software functionality.