What is GIS?

GIS is a computer based system that stores, analyses and displays multiple layers of geographical information. It is a spatial database, which stores information for discrete locations on the earth's surface.

There are a range of definitions eg:

GIS provides facilities for data capture, data management, data manipulation and the presentation of results in both graphic and statistical form with an emphasis on maintaining and using the inherent characteristics of spatial data.

(Anderson and Starr)

A GIS is a general purpose and extensible computer system handling data pertaining to geographical locations --- it is restricted to systems with the ability to inter-relate data sets pertaining to different variables and/or moments in time.

(Rhind)

http://www.geog.ubc.ca/courses/klink/ gis.notes/ncgia/u01.html#UNIT1 will provide background reading on what is a GIS. By all means think about the discussion and exam questions but I am not expecting you to answer them.