CAPF AC 2025 Q81: Geography – Cartography & Map Skills
- (a) 1 and 4 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Components of a GIS
How to think: a Geographic Information System is more than software.
It needs the data, the hardware that runs it, the software that processes it, and the people who use it.
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| 1. Data | Spatial and attribute information, the raw material |
| 2. Hardware | Computers, scanners, GPS devices, plotters |
| 3. Software | The programs that store, analyse and display the data |
| 4. People | The users and managers who run the system |
GIS texts also add methods (procedures); the four above are the ones in the question.
Bank key corrected: the stored key was (c) 1, 2 and 3 only; people are also a component, so the right answer is (d).
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Hardware and software are also components.
- (b) Incorrect. Data and people are also components.
- (c) Incorrect. It leaves out people, who are a core component.
- (d) CORRECT. Data, hardware, software and people are all components of a GIS.
Key point
GIS components: hardware, software, data, people (and methods). Input, storage, analysis, output are its functions.
Remember
GIS = data + hardware + software + people.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out people, thinking a GIS is only a computer system.
- Treating data as an input and not a component.
- Stopping at the technology items (hardware and software).
Exam tip
Educated guess: a GIS is an 'information system', and every information system has people who run it. That removes (b) and (c), and the full list is (d).
Sources
- NCERT Class XII Practical Work in Geography, Part II, Chapter 4 (Spatial Information Technology: components of GIS)
- Peter A. Burrough and Rachael A. McDonnell, Principles of Geographical Information Systems (Oxford University Press)