Introduction: This chapter introduces some basic but very important concepts of GIS, including information, data, information system, spatial data, spatial information and geographic information system. Some concepts, such as spatial information and spatial data, will be further elaborated, in fact, spatial data is also the core of describing the functions of GIS in this book.
GIS is not only a technology, but also a discipline, this chapter also introduces its main research contents and the relationship with other disciplines, such as geography, cartography, remote sensing, etc.
This chapter also introduces the composition, classification, function, development history and prospect of GIS, which will be described in more detail in the following chapters.
