As the nationwide and worldwide shortages of natural resources become more apparent, and demand rises, there is little doubt that managers will need to better acquire, organize and manipulate environmental data for decision-making purposes. A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computerized system for processing geographic and/or mapped data. In the development of a GIS it is felt that the system should be capable of processing a wide variety of pertinent data including points, maps, lines, and aircraft or satellite derived information. The Remote Sensing and Image Processing Laboratory (RSIP), Louisiana State University, had a basic system for image processing that was expanded to incorporate the needed functions for utilizing GIS oriented capabilities. This paper will focus on two aspects of a GIS; (1) the components of and implementation of a GIS, and (2) the actual demonstration of a GIS in the management of natural resources. Demonstrations related to lignite mining, permit requirements in the coastal zone, and location of potential landfills and hazardous waste sites will be presented.
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