What is GIS?
GIS stands for ‘Geographical Information System’.
"A GIS consists of:
Digital Data –– the geographical information that you will view and analyse using computer hardware and software.
Computer Hardware –– computers used for storing data, displaying graphics and processing data.
Computer Software –– computer programs that run on the computer hardware and allow you to work with digital data. A software program that forms part of the GIS is called a GIS Application.
With a GIS application you can open digital maps on your computer, create new spatial information to add to a map, create printed maps customised to your needs and perform spatial analysis."
To see an excellent example of a collaborative mapping project at UND that uses ArcGIS, check out the North Dakota Digital Atlas!
QGIS (n.d.). A Gentle Introduction to GIS. https://docs.qgis.org/3.10/en/docs/gentle_gis_introduction/