Geographic Information Systems and Computer-Aided Mapping
- 30 September 1987
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of the American Planning Association
- Vol. 53 (3) , 383-390
- https://doi.org/10.1080/01944368708976457
Abstract
The paper distinguishes computer-aided mapping from geographic information systems. Mapping systems are display oriented, and they produce plots of selected layers of point and line data. Geographic information systems, on the other hand, are analysis oriented; they analyze relationships among point, line, and area data that describe such geographic features as streets, rivers, buildings, and counties. A link between mapping and information systems is emerging in the form of a data model that relates locational data on features and descriptive data for those features. Planners are cautioned about acquiring computer-aided mapping systems that lack the geographic information systems data models that most spatial analysis requires.Keywords
This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit:
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- The TIGER system: Automating the geographic structure of the United States censusGovernment Publications Review, 1986
- Technical Requirements and Standards for a Multipurpose Geographic Data SystemThe American Cartographer, 1984
- Cartographic Data StructuresThe American Cartographer, 1975
- A Framework for Encoding Spatial Data*Geographical Analysis, 1972