Final answer:
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a sophisticated computer system used for managing and displaying spatial information, crucial for applications ranging from urban planning to environmental management. GIS has dramatically altered cartography, and GPS technology complements GIS's capabilities by enabling precise location mapping.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that is adept at consolidating, storing, revising, assessing, disseminating, and showcasing spatial information. Primarily utilized in a range of fields, GIS data come in digital format organized in various layers. These layers can be manipulated by GIS software to show particular features or activities, serving various applications from urban planning to environmental management.
GIS specialists possess expertise in computer systems and databases. They utilize GIS software to take raw spatial data and create comprehensive information for decision-making in government or business settings, like selecting an optimal location for a retail store.
The introduction of GIS dramatically transformed the field of cartography. Cartography, the craft of map-making, now heavily relies on GIS to illustrate spatial qualities and to communicate spatial information effectively. The global adoption of GPS technology has enhanced the precision of mapping and location verification, working hand in hand with GIS to provide exact locations via signals from orbiting satellites.