geographic information system
1
4.6
- noun
- /ˌdʒiəˈɡræfɪk ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən ˈsɪstəm/
- Specialized
:
sistema de información geográfica
- Many researchers rely on a geographic information system to analyze environmental data.
- geographic information system (GIS)
- using a geographic information system
- geographic information system technology
Examples
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The geographic information system displayed the area's topography and population density.
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Using geographic information systems, we mapped grantees, delivery sites, and NAWS growers.
Academic text (2011) -
I work for a geographic information systems company.
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We calculated objective measures of the built environment using a Geographic Information System.
Academic text (2013) -
IAMS provides access to the user community through geographic information systems and visualization tools on the Internet.
Academic text (2005) -
The team also collected information about the local health status and incorporated the data into a geographic information system (GIS).
Academic text (2008) -
The first objective was to develop and employ geospatial techniques, namely geographic information systems (GIS), to map the existing sidewalk network in Starkville.
Academic text (2018) -
Because data from EDENs is inherently spatial, GIS (geographic information system) software is a natural solution for archiving and disseminating data.
Academic text (2007) -
A geographic information system can help city planners visualize urban development patterns.
Synonyms
17
4.9
A computer system that stores, studies, and shows maps and information about places
How Detailed
Surface Forms
Morphology
geographic + information + system
The meaning is transparently compositional: 'geographic' modifies 'information', and 'information system' denotes a system for managing information, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can infer it refers to a system for geographic/spatial data. This follows regular noun-compound patterns found across languages and requires no idiomatic or metaphorical knowledge.
Etymology
Geographic information system comes from a simple image: imagine clear map sheets stacked like 'layers', each sheet holding different information such as roads, trees, or people. So a geographic information system is a computer system that keeps these map 'layers' and lets us see and study places.