| A Geographic Information System is a comprehensive database tied to location, with an integrated set of tools for querying, analyzing, and displaying that information. Some important classes of GIS tools include those that support: (1) logical map overlay, integrating multi-layer data sources in an analysis; (2) proximity analysis and spatial buffering; (3) network analysis (e.g. of roads or streams); (4) geocoding and address-matching; and (5) three-dimensional surface modeling. GIS technology is rapidly gaining popularity as a means of dealing with all sorts of information stored on maps. |