GIS
"GIS" stands for "Geographical Information System" and refers to a computer-based system for storing, analyzing, and displaying map and database information. A regular map shows only spatial data such as lakes, roads, and vegetation. A geographic information system (GIS) goes further by linking attribute data to spatial data. For example, address ranges and street names can be linked to street segments. This link creates "intelligent" map features and provides the ability to analyze spatial data, letting you use map data in a whole new way. After you have worked with the map and the data to specify what you want to display, you can print the current map view or copy it into another document.
When GIS data and functionality are made available over the Internet, as has been done for the County of Peterborough, the system is referred to as a "Web GIS". With Web GIS, users do not need to purchase and install expensive GIS software in order to access and work with maps and databases. Also, users do not need to become experts in sophisticated GIS applications, since the functionality is made available through a regular web browser and an integrated Viewer with a simple, user-friendly interface. (However, users do need to have patience while the MapGuide Viewer downloads data from the server, which can take several minutes, particularly with a slow Internet connection
