GIS as a combination of hardware and software that exist within a particular context.

The purpose of today’s lecture is to review your knowledge of “what is GIS”, and to review the different approaches people take to studying “GIS” [i.e., GI Systems, Science, and Society) by going through some of the different models and views that exist.

GISystems’ models range from the very simplistic through to the sophisticated (GIS can be deeply embedded within organizational structures). The aim of reviewing the various models is to reacquaint you with the concept — “what is a GISystem.” Each model can provide a different perspective into the GIScience issues that surround the use (and potential abuse) of geospatial technologies, and remind us of the complexities and uncertainties that every good GIS analyst should be aware of when using geospatial technologies and engaging others in society around the process and results of GIS analyses (i.e., GI Society).

It is assumed that you have taken Geography 270–Introduction to GIS, or an equivalent course. You should be familiar with the elements outlined in the Table of Contents of the free GIS text. The GIS: Tools for community mapping pages also provide a good introduction to GIS.

In each lecture note I will usually provide links to sites that supplement the material covered in the lecture. The additional readings generally offer a different take on the material presented in the text and, for some, may make it easier to comprehend the lectures / text / labs.  For example, a range of experts have been writing and revising a comprehensive GI Science & Technology Body of Knowledge 2.0, which offers any number of discussions and interesting starting points for you to dip into when needed.