1.Ans: GIS stands for Geographic Information System. It is a system designed to capture, store, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data. GIS combines cartography, data analysis, and database technology to enable the visualization and understanding of patterns, relationships, and trends in geographical data. It has numerous applications in fields such as urban planning, environmental management, transportation, agriculture, and more.

2.Ans: The components of a Geographic Information System (GIS) typically include:

1. Data: GIS relies on various types of geographic data, such as maps, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, GPS data, and attribute data (e.g., population, land use, temperature).

2. Hardware: GIS systems require computer hardware to process and store data efficiently. This includes servers, workstations, GPS devices, and other peripherals.

3. Software: GIS software provides tools for data entry, manipulation, analysis, and visualization. Popular GIS software includes ArcGIS, QGIS, and Google Earth.

4. People: GIS professionals, such as GIS analysts and technicians, are essential for creating, managing, and interpreting geographic data.

5. Methods: GIS employs various analytical and modeling techniques to perform spatial analysis and solve geographic problems.

6. Procedures: Standard operating procedures and workflows are crucial for data collection, analysis, and maintenance in a GIS environment.

7. Connectivity: Access to the internet or network connectivity allows GIS users to access and share spatial data and collaborate with others.

By integrating these components, GIS facilitates a better understanding of spatial patterns and relationships, enabling informed decision-making in various domains.