ABSTRACT
A geographic information system (GIS) provides sophisticated computer capabilities that can be used in many aspects of the coal industry to analyze and manipulate spatial as well as tabular data. Members of the Coal Section of the Illinois State Geological Survey use a GIS to manage information on boreholes, mines, and coal resources. The GIS permits maps to be tailored to specific project needs, enhances the analysis of spatial data, and allows data to be presented graphically in ways that facilitate decision making. Organizations interested in setting up a GIS should carefully review their hardware and software requirements.
