导读： 本章介绍了地理信息系统的一些最基本的、但又是非常重要的概念， 包括信息、数据、信息系统、空间数据、空间信息和地理信息系统。 有些概念，如空间信息和空间数据，还将得到进一步的阐述，实际上，空间数据也是本书中描述GIS功能的核心。
GIS is not only a technology, but also a discipline, this chapter also introduces its main research contents and the relationship with other disciplines, such as geography, cartography, remote sensing, etc.
This chapter also introduces the composition, classification, function, development history and prospect of GIS, which will be described in more detail in the following chapters.