A GIS is an organized collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data and personnel designed to store, update, organize, analyze and manipulate various types of data for spatial database management, mapping design and decision-making process.

A GIS is not by itself capable to solve problems or to provide correct answers to specific questions. The user can organize the data in a database. GIS are currently designed to fit to relational data base management systems (RDBMS). This data can be further treated by the common software-package functions or by new procedures developed by the user.

The last few years the Research Unit has applied the GIS techniques (using the Arc/Info and ArcView software packages) in a broad area of Geosciences:

• Various Thematic Maps (Geological – Tectonic – Neotectonic – Morphotectonic – Geophysical – Seismological – Hydrogeological – Geochemical – Landuse – Topographic etc) are accompanied by specific databases. (Maps 1, 2)
• Decision Making at a Local or National Level in Specific Subjects like: Geology, Geo-Environmental Applications, Geomorphology, Geophysics, Seismology and others. (Maps 3, 4, 5)
• Management of Environmental Problems (Natural Hazards):
  • Monitoring of Volcanic Activity (Kos – Yiali Nisyros). (Maps 6, 7)
  • Development of Earthquake Emergency Planning referring to Local or National Administration Bodies:
    • Atalanti (Maps 1-7)
    • Cephallonia (Maps 8-12)