Application of geographic information system (GIS) in analyzing geospatial information of academic library databases

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the application of geographic information systems as a decision support system in analyzing geospatial data in the databases of an academic library.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, after separation, the data on control, classification and coding of the geospatial information existing in an academic library's databases were entered into a geographic information system. Then, using the ArcGIS software and its program (ArcMap), the data were shown, described and analyzed based on existing needs and various indicators.

Findings

After performing various stages of this research, the geographic information system indicates a range of features as follows: display and localization of the research done on different maps; providing a variety of descriptive information on the features available on the system maps; data analysis and evaluation, based on existing needs and various indicators such as research location, university conducting research, date of research, educational course, etc.; evaluation and comparison of universities and research centers with one another in terms of spatial distribution of their scientific geospatial information; performing various calculations to determine and analyze the spatial relationships of data, for example determining distance of research location from the university; and the possibility of reporting a variety of attribute and spatial information of the system.

Originality/value

By using the analysis functions of the system and other logical and various applications, the database can be prepared to answer the questions raised by the users and the results will be very valuable in the process of decision making and planning in academic libraries and research centers.

Citation

Sedighi, M. (2012), "Application of geographic information system (GIS) in analyzing geospatial information of academic library databases", The Electronic Library, Vol. 30 No. 3, pp. 367-376. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471211241645