{"id":10654,"date":"2024-01-12T15:42:12","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T07:42:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iftm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/?p=10654"},"modified":"2024-01-12T17:39:35","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T09:39:35","slug":"gis-and-its-applications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/gis-and-its-applications\/","title":{"rendered":"GIS and its applications<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"\u4e2d\u6587\u6458\u8981 \/ Summary in Chinese<\/span>\n\n\n\n
Geographic information systems have diverse practical uses. IFTM provides a master’s degree-level course dedicated to the utilisation of GIS software tools within the tourism industry<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool that captures, stores, analyses, manages, and displays geographic data. Such geographic data can be presented using 2D or 3D thematic maps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GIS has a wide range of applications in various fields. In the tourism sector, GIS can be used to address spatial questions related to tourism attractions and destinations. Overall, it can help resort or destination managers to improve the quality of customer experience for visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Figure 1. <\/strong>Three basic types of vector data used in geographic information system: point, line, and polygon<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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QGIS, also known as Quantum GIS, is a free and open-source GIS software that can be used to create, edit, visualise, analyse, and publish geospatial information. Its official webpage is https:\/\/www.qgis.org\/en\/site<\/a>\/<\/a>. The system runs on Windows, macOS, and a number of mobile device operating systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

QGIS is a powerful software that offers standard spatial analytical and processing tools for vector data and raster data \u2013 the latter stored as a grid of regularly-sized pixels. QGIS can produce stunning thematic maps for use by professionals in various sectors. In addition, it allows for customisation as well as extensibility, to include many state-of-the-art plug-ins, all in order greatly to enhance the features of the base software product. Some examples of popular plug-ins include Density Analysis, Multi Ring Buffer, QuickMapServices, and QuickOSM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The use of the QGIS software is covered in IFTM\u2019s\u00a0STHT506 Geographic Information Systems<\/strong> course. This is a compulsory course for postgraduate students enrolled on the programme leading to a Master of Science in Smart Technologies in Hospitality and Tourism. For students on the Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics programme, the\u00a0STHT506 Geographic Information Systems<\/strong> course is offered on an elective basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geographic data is paramount when it comes to GIS. It is worth noting that many governments manage and publish geographic data \u2013 often in FBDB format or SHP format \u2013 for their own jurisdictions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GIS users should also familiarise themselves with use of available secondary data, namely regarding file formats, last updated date, frequency of updates, as well as use terms and conditions. The following data repositories are mentioned in the STHT506 Geographic Information Systems<\/strong> classes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n