'Geography is one of the key common frameworks that will enable us to link information together and boost efficiency in government.' Andrew Pinder, former e-Envoy.

Geographic Information - 'Information about objects or phenomena that are associated with a location relative to the surface of the Earth'.

Related terms:

Geospatial

Spatial Data                                        

Spatial Information                                  

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Geographic information touches upon every aspect of life from:

• Planning the delivery of health services
• Managing the coastal zone and flood defences
• Managing epidemics - such as the recent Foot & Mouth crisis
• Monitoring pollution
• Tree preservation orders
• Access to the countryside and public rights of way
• Satellite monitoring of land-use
• Geographic provision of emergency services
• Crime and disorder analysis
• Vehicle routing and general traffic management
• Tracking of parcel deliveries
• Planning the built environment
• Delivering water, gas and electricity to customers
• Planning and managing large sporting and cultural events
• Joining up government, tourism and heritage
• Planning safe school routes
• Giving citizens greater access to government
• Using GPS for navigation and service delivery
• Public transport planning and provision
• Retail store location
• Buying and selling of commercial and residential property
• Global warming monitoring
• Recycling contaminated land

Useful GI websites

Listed below are a some websites which help to demonstrate the diverse ways in which geographic information can be utilised.

The Power of Geography

This website is jointly sponsored by the AGI, IGGI (Intra-Governmental Group on Geographic Information) and Ordnance Survey.  The site provides materials that are intended to assist in informing and educating policy makers and data users about the widespread potential of using spatial data and geospatial technology to assist in the achievement of business objectives.

The GIS Files

Provided by the Ordnance Survey, the GIS Files demonstrate the power of computerised mapping.  An interative learning zone, the GIS files will introduce you to the basics of GIS (geographic information systems), geographic information, real world info and some GIS case studies.

GIS Timeline

Developed by the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, the aim of the GIS Timeline is to present a visual overview of the development and growth of GIS from their conception in the 1960s to the present day.

Webcastle

Webcastle is a case study locator service on the Web (WEB CAse STudy Locator servicE), which at present houses over 90 case studies on the subject of geographic-information. Its intent is to raise awareness of the benefits to be enjoyed from the use and exploitation of geographic. This service is free and interested parties are welcome to share the information available with others. Webcastle is a deliverable of the EC funded, GINIE Project.