GIS

GIS

Importance of Visualization of Data

Data visualization is the presentation of data in graphic form. Whereas tables and lists of numbers are often difficult to understand and initially interpret without careful synchronization, visualization is a convenient and effective way to communicate complex information. Current computer technology supports visualization of data by offering complicated techniques of changing data into pleasing and understandable displays. Greater importance is being put on data visualization today, and GIS is a leading technology in this movement.

 The Inevitability of Computer Technology and GIS

Computers and GIS technology are becoming more and more ever-present and are creating significant change because of this. We can recognize six key principles important to understanding the necessity of this new technology.

1. The computer age is here and that cannot be ignored. Most professions nowadays are using computer technology in some fashion and are utilizing various computerized methods of production and assistance. There is no doubt that this technology will continue to become an increasingly important element in almost all professions.

2. Computer training in most academic and professional fields is essential. Without it, students will be severely handicapped in their chosen professions and undoubtedly will be forced to learn computers on their job without the proper preparation.

3. GIS has become the accepted and standard means of utilizing spatial data. Likewise, the use of spatial data is growing very rapidly in diverse fields, and the adoption of GIS by other fields not currently using it is inevitable.

 4. GIS has in most cases proven to have many advantages over older methods of making use of spatial data. When compared to traditional methods, GIS has countless benefits, including the fact that for many users it is simply more fun to use than outdated techniques.

5. Much of traditional “pen and ink” cartography done by skilled draftspersons and artists is being replaced by GIS. Hand-rendered cartography, other than that desired as art, is becoming quite outdated because it is expensive, is not easily altered, is difficult to store, and is expensive to reproduce.

6. GIS is opening new horizons. It is not simply a computerized version of traditional means of accomplishing new tasks, but is an innovative area in which new modes of analysis and new applications are constantly discovered. GIS is a catalyst for much advancement.

GIS