Zum Aufbau länderkundlicher geographischer Informationssysteme

Abstract

How should a regional Geographical Information System look like? This ought not to be a problem after various authors have pointed out the geographical roots in the development of GIS: the concept of layers of the regional scheme (Kilchenmann), the development of spatial concepts (Kainz) in general or concepts of landscape research (Dollinger). But in reality from the point of view of geography almost nothing has changed since the establishment of the first region - or country-related Geographical Information Systems. Since the beginning of this development the concept of layers of the regional scheme has proved to be worthwhile both as a basis for the compilation of inventories and a concept for data storage (layer structure). Geometric intersection and verious forms of information overlays have developed as a main methodology of GIS as well as the representation of results in maps, besides data- and methodbases, as an euqal constituent part of GIS as compared with general information systems. Current developments are characterized by an increasing specialization in the structure and application of GIS. More and more, one speaks of land, regional, environmental, channal, or communal information systems. Since geography, owing to its specific subject, can seldom contribute to them the term "Geographical" Information System will survive only as a generic term or will degenerate into a trade name for a group of software products. However, some approaches towards a regional GIS can be seen provided that not a restriction of the subject dealt with but a spatial delimitation of the area concerned, i. e. a region, a landscape or a country, in its complex structure is taken as a basis for the establishment of a concrete GIS. Steps in this direction, beside GIS developed in the 1960s for Canada, Switzerland and the federal states of the USA, are chiefly GIS for the Laender of Austria currently, being set up or first approaches towards GIS for developing countries. When geography regards and uses the information system bearing its name not only as a mere software package but brings its specific possibilities to bear and develops them further especially in the field of methodology, then the regional GIS in the form of a specific geoinformation system used in institutes, schools and appropriate authorities is not far off.