GIS and file management

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to describe an application program that is being developed for use as a data base management system. The program is identified by the acronym, GIS for Generalized Information System. The word “system” appears in its title because the program is designed to perform a set of data base functions that are closely interrelated and are self-contained within defined boundaries. It is not, however, an independent or “stand-alone” system in that it is designed to function within the framework of a larger system, the Operating System/360, in certain planned System/360 configurations. The other two words appear in its title because the system is directed toward providing the functions common to most information files and because the program components, until executed, are independent of, but adaptable to, an array of information processing tasks and operating environments. The system's major functions are those related to (1) data file design and creation, (2) file maintenance, (3) selective retrieval and processing, (4) document reference and full text indexing, and (5) control of task processing. To elaborate on the functions just enumerated, and to place them in a perspective, this paper presents an overall view of GIS: its rationale and the concept of its operation. That presentation is followed by a discussion of the system's scope within the context of some typical file management tasks. The illustrative examples are not expected to be accurate in every detail, but only to be representative of the method used to perform productive tasks with the system.