ABSTRACT
A Geographical Information System (GIS) is a combination of elements designed to store, retrieve, manipulate and display geographical data – information about people, places and the environment. It is a package consisting of four basic parts: hardware, software, data and a thinking operator. The hardware is a robust computer. The software is a powerful set of instructions and procedures that can be used to solve problems. The geographical data are computerised information in a variety of formats. The thinking operator is a person who does not know all the answers, and may not even know all the questions, but who wants to learn about the cultural and natural environment and knows how to use tools creatively to look for patterns and processes.
