a. GIS in remote sensing
For the users of remote sensing, it is not sufficient to display only the results obtained from image processing. For example, to detect land cover change in an area is not enough, because the final goal would be to analyse the cause of change or to evaluate the impact of change. Therefore the result should be overlaid on maps of transportation facilities and land use zoning as shown in Figure 13.1.1. In addition, the classification of remote sensing imagery will become more accurate if the auxiliary data contained in maps are combined with the image data.

In order to promote the integration of remote sensing and geographic data, geographic information system (GIS) should be established in which both the image and graphic data are stored in a digital form, retrieved conditionally, overlaid on each other and evaluated with the use of a model.

Figure 13.1.2 shows a comparison between the computer assisted GIS and the conventional analog use of maps.

b. Function of GIS
The following three functions are very important in GIS.

(1) To store and manage geographic information comprehensively and effectively

(2) To display geographic information depending on the purpose of use

(3) To execute query, analysis and evaluation of geographic information effectively

At present, the following research and development have been undertaken. In this book the following technologies , a part from, visualization will be described.

(1) Model and data structure for GIS
(2) Data input and edition
(3) Spatial query
(4) Spatial analysis
(5) Visualization

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