Use queries and filters

A query in relation to GIS is the information that you put into your GPS or computer with a Query on what area you would like to get directions to or view.

Manipulate views of data

This technique reduces multidimensional data by allowing the visitor to choose only the dimensions of interest. Dynamic queries let the user change his or her view in real time.

Break down the data into simpler categories, such as streets, highways, demographics, and housing density. The user can toggle these categories on and off, to compare what interests them.

http://www.idea.org/page69.html

Layers

This picture also shows how the layers in GIS work


http://www.mapcruzin.com/what-is-gis.htm

What is GIS?

Here is a short video that i have used to show how the layers of GIS work, although there is no actual narration on the subject of layers the small section of the video that starts at 0.20 and ends at 0.32 shows visually how the layers work

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEaMzPo1Q7Q

Here is a data flow diagram that covers all the systems i will be describing

This is an overview of the system:

What is a GIS?

A geographical information system is any system that captures, stores, analyzes, manages, and presents data that are linked to any location.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_information_system

GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts.
http://www.gis.com/content/what-gis

Journal

15/6/10: Created blog and added video for an introduction to GIS

Above is a short introduction to Geographical information systems. Enjoy :P