Which term best describes a computer-based system to collect, organize, manage, analyze and display geographical locations and descriptions?

• A. GIS
• B. GPS
• C. Database
• D. Graphs and Charts

Answer: (A)

The concept tested is identifying a system that handles geographic information—locations and their details—across collecting, organizing, managing, analyzing, and displaying them. This is a Geographic Information System, or GIS. GIS brings together spatial data (where things are) with descriptive attributes (what they are), organizes it in layers, and lets you perform analyses like finding nearby features, overlapping areas, or routes, all shown on maps. That combination of mapping, data management, and spatial analysis is what makes GIS the best fit for describing a computer-based system that handles geographical locations and descriptions.

Why the other options aren’t as fitting: GPS is about determining precise positions using satellites, not about organizing or analyzing a broad dataset or displaying it on maps. A database stores data but doesn’t inherently provide map-based displays or spatial analysis tools. Graphs and charts visualize data but aren’t specialized for geographic locations and mapping.