Document Type : Research Paper

Author

• Ashraf Azimzadeh (Translator)

Abstract

Our excessive attention to geographic data sometimes prevents us from utilizing the extraordinary power of analysis systems, preventing due progress in this regard.
In the recent Conference of Geographic Information, Prof. Stan Openshaw, during a free discussion over GIS, criticized all the people active in GIS works for lack of progress in this field. He stated: “We don’t really have geographic information system. What we have is actually geographic data system… it will be harmful if we get busy with data all the time…”. According to him, we must achieve the due vision of GIS and create systems of geographic knowledge. Are these claims true? Unfortunately, I share his views. The myriad of useful or useless geographic data utilized today have challenged the most gigantic technology of our age, and have become increasingly easier to access today, so that the cost of their collection has become much less than what we imagine. Moreover, we still spend a great deal of time on geographic data.