Geocomputation

Geocomputation is as much about creatively developing new data structures and algorithms for geographical analysis as it is about rigorously about testing these algorithms and methods. It is the art of using supercomputers as powerful tools for geographic science and policy.

It is a growing field of study in which computational and statistical techniques are applied to georeferenced and spatial data. Geocomputation projects often involve modeling and simulation via cellular automata, where context-specific rules for each raster cell change the cell’s state from one value to another based in surrounding cell values; visual spatial agent-based models, where populations of heterogeneous agent move, interact and sometimes also evolve in spatial landscape of networks or natural terrain and occasionally, via hybrid of each with one another or with spatially explicit systems or mathematical equations.

It is focused on the research, development and application of spatial information technologies to address social, economic and environmental problems at human and geographical scales.

Geocomputation is concerned with new computational techniques, algorithms and paradigms that are dependent upon and can take advantage of HPC (high performance computer). In fact, it involves four leading edge technologies:
*GIS, which creates the data
*Artificial intelligence (AI) and computational intelligence (CI)m which provide smart tools
*HPC, which provides the power
*Science, which provides the philosophy
Geocomputation

Geographic Information System

Geographic information Systems or geographical information system (GIS) are a special class of information systems that keep track not only of events, activities and things but also of where these events, activities and things happen or exist.

GIS is a computerized mapping system designed to capture, storage, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data on a computer screen.

Before GIS, researchers used films and mylars ot manually overlay spatial information. The integration of spatial information with non-spatial attributes (variable) is a critical component of GIS.

Geographic information technologies are now in common usage in high-income nations for amassing detailed information that has a stationary location in common. They are also being used for the corollary of tracking mobile individuals or objects over space and time.

GIS and related technologies are becoming more available to many users in different disciplines through the World Wide Web.
Geographic Information System