computer hardware and the application software are referred as the Database | Class 12 Geography Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 4 min read
computer hardware and the application software are referred as the Database – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of computer hardware and the application software are referred as the Database from Class 12 Geography, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Components of GIS
A Geographical Information System (GIS) consists of five key components: hardware, software, data, people, and procedures. Hardware includes the physical devices such as processors, storage units, display systems, and input/output devices necessary for data processing and visualization. Software comprises application modules for data entry, editing, maintenance, analysis, transformation, manipulation, display, and output. Data is the backbone of GIS, including spatial data (maps, coordinates) and attribute data (descriptive information) that can be acquired from suppliers or created in-house. People range from technical experts like hardware and software engineers to domain specialists such as geographers, environmental scientists, policy makers, and field workers who use GIS for decision-making. Procedures define the methods for data retrieval, input, storage, management, transformation, analysis, and presentation, ensuring systematic and effective GIS operations.
📊 Diagram: See figure_3: Basic Components of GIS illustrating hardware, software, data, people, and procedures.
🧪 Activity: None in this section.
🔗 Connection: Leads to detailed discussion on spatial data formats used in GIS.
Frequently asked questions
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below : (i) The spatial data are characterised by the following forms of appearance : (a) Positional (b) Linear (c) Areal (d) All the above forms (ii) Which one of the following operations requires analysis module software? (a) Data storage (b) Data display (c) Data output (d) Buffering (iii) Which one of the following is disadvantage of Raster data format ? (a) Simple data structure (b) Easy and efficient overlaying (c) Compatible with remote sensing imagery (d) Difficult network analysis (iv) Which one of the following is an advantage of Vector data format ? (a) Complex data structure (b) Difficult overlay operations (c) Lack of compatibility with remote sensing data (d) Compact data structure (v) Urban change detection is effectively undertaken in GIS core using: (a) Overlay operations (b) Proximity analysis (c) Network analysis (d) Buffering
(i) (d) All the above forms Explanation: Spatial data can appear as positional (points), linear (lines), and areal (areas) forms.
(ii) (d) Buffering Explanation: Buffering is a spatial analysis operation that requires analysis module software.
(iii) (d) Difficult network analysis Explanation: Raster data format is simple but has difficulty in performing network analysis.
(iv) (d) Compact data structure Explanation: Vector data format has a compact data structure and is efficient for overlay o
2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words : (i) Differentiate between raster and vector data models. (ii) What is an overlay analysis? (iii) What are the advantages of GIS over manual methods? (iv) What are important components of GIS? (v) What are different ways in which spatial data is built in GIS core? (vi) What is Spatial Information Technology?
(i) Raster data model represents spatial data as a grid of cells (pixels), each with a value. Vector data model represents spatial data using points, lines, and polygons.
(ii) Overlay analysis is a GIS operation where two or more spatial datasets are superimposed to identify relationships.
(iii) GIS offers advantages like efficient data storage, analysis, visualization, and faster processing compared to manual methods.
(iv) Important components of GIS include hardware, software, data, people,
3. Answer the following questions in about 125 words : (i) Discuss raster and vector data formats. Give example. (ii) Write an explanatory account of the sequence of activities involved in GIS related work.
(i) Raster data format represents spatial data as a matrix of cells or pixels, each having a value representing information such as temperature or elevation. It is simple and compatible with remote sensing imagery but has limitations in network analysis. Vector data format represents spatial features as points, lines, and polygons with precise coordinates. It has a compact data structure and is efficient for overlay and network analysis. For example, a road network can be represented as lines in
Which of the following best defines a Database in the context of Geography?
An organized collection of geographic data that can be accessed, managed, and updated efficiently
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