A geographic information or geographical information system (GIS) is a system
for creating, storing, analyzing and managing spatial data and associated
attributes. In the strictest sense, it is a computer system capable of
integrating, storing, editing, analyzing, sharing, and displaying
geographically-referenced information. In a more generic sense, GIS is a tool
that allows users to create interactive queries, analyze the spatial
information, and edit data. Geographical Information Science is the science
underlying the applications and systems, taught as a degree programme by several
universities.