Geographical Information System (GIS) application study for cataloging of Geo-science documents held by IRANDOC

The sheer complexity, diversity and volume of geographical information as well as the growing capabilities of information technology, is the raison d’etre of geographical information systems (GIS). Given the fact that the bulk of geo-science information held by IRANDOC databases is descriptive and terrestrial, they suitably lend themselves for use in geographical information systems. The present study had been undertaken with express purpose of reviewing the applicability of GIS in cataloging of geo-science documents held by IRANDOC. Towards this end, all related descriptive and terrestrial geo-science data were extracted from IRANDOC databases and were sorted, controlled, classified and encoded for being fed into a GIS. In order to construct a GIS database, these data were formed into information layers that were subsequently used for necessary representation, description and analysis. Thus in addition of providing accurate and swift access to a large volume of data, the descriptive and terrestrial data could be visualized and represented in form of cartographies, tables and charts. In addition to updating and editing function, access to available data could be tailored to the various user requirements. The system not only provides a tool for spotting numerous capabilities and potentials but for identifying research gaps in various geographical regions. A process model outlining the extension of GIS application with respect to other IRANDOC databases dealing with terrestrial data has been offered.