In the 1930s and 40s geographical analysis was conducted by overlaying different types of maps of the same area. Since the 1950s systems have evolved to convert this mapping into digital form and more recently to use this data for analysis and problem solving. Nowadays GIS is everywhere; you may even have some GIS software on your PC without even knowing it's there!

If you wish to find out more about how you can get hold of digital maps,
click here