Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R)

Assertion (A) : The database concept is central to a Geographical Information System (GIS)
Reason (R) : GIS does not hold any maps and pictures, it holds only a database.

In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

A GIS is essentially a Database Management System (DBMS) integrated with spatial rendering capabilities. What we perceive as "maps" are simply visual queries of this spatial database.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is designed to store, manage, analyze, and display spatial data, functioning fundamentally as an integrated spatial database.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Assertion (A): A database lies at the heart of any GIS.
Every geographic feature shown on a map is directly linked to an attribute row in a database table. Without this core database structure, a GIS would simply be a computer drafting tool. Thus, Assertion (A) is true.
2. Reason (R): A computer GIS does not store physical paper maps or static pictures.
Instead, it stores structured digital database files containing vector coordinate tables (points, lines, polygons) or raster cell matrix databases.
When we view a map on a screen, the GIS software dynamically queries and draws this database information in real-time. Thus, Reason (R) is true.
Since the fundamental nature of digital storage in GIS is database-only, this directly explains why the database concept is central to GIS. Thus, (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct option is 1, which corresponds to both statements being true and (R) being the correct explanation of (A).