Geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing in aquatic botany: methodological aspects

Abstract

A geographical information system (GIS) is much more than a computerized mapping system, it is a system designed to acquire, to manage and to process spatial information. In the current trend of a multidisciplinary approach of earth environmental management, GIS offer a basis for integrating both data and analysis tools from a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. This paper aims to present an understanding of concepts and methodologies involved in the field of GIS. It describes major steps involved in processing spatial information and illustrates the diversity among GIS uses. As a GIS is not only a set of computerized tools, but a fully integrated environment for the management and the analysis of spatial information, it requires from the applied fields of geosciences to interrogate about the nature and content of relevant information, as well as about the transfer of classical investigation and analysis methodologies.