Environmental GIS: The world in a computer
- ES&T, Fredericksburg, VA (United States)
Geographic information system (GIS) computer programs that manipulate and analyze spatial data represent one of the hottest growth areas in the world of computing. Depending on what is included in the category `GIS software,` the market is now worth between $550 million and $1 billion, and is growing at 15-24% every year. The number of software packages available for GIS analysis (1) is increasing, too, both at the high and low ends of capability. Much of this growth has been fueled by business applications, as companies recognize that GIS, with its ability to locate and sort potential customers, is a powerful marketing tool. But the environmental field continues to make up a large part of the GIS market as well. Environmental applications of GIS include site assessment and cleanup, wildlife management, pollution monitoring, risk analysis, vegetation mapping, and public information. Many natural resource managers now use or are familiar with GIS, and undergraduates in natural resource fields are likely to gain some experience with the technology before they graduate. 10 refs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 380792
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 30; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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