GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR MARINE APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are special class of information systems which combine spatial and non-spatial information systems within a single system. It is a type of information system that collects, stores, retrieves, analyzes and displays geographically referenced and attribute data simultaneously. GIS is a decision tool that helps decision makers and facilitate decision making process. The usage of GIS for land problems began about 1960s, but application of it to sea problem was in the 1980s. Marine GIS gained a substantial significance in the 1990s with the emergence and popularity of Earth System Science.The aim of this study is to examine the usage of GIS in marine areas and to highlight the importance of GIS technology for marine applications. All of these concepts were examined in a theoretical framework in the study. So the method of the study is a literature review. With the literature review, the concept of GIS and its application in marine areas were tried to be explained. After reviewing literature it is concluded that marine GIS can give different perspectives to marine scientists for solving marine-related problems and facilitating decision making process.