It is important to note under this learning path that the usability of any system's products is determined by how practical and convenient the capability of that system is for users. We must therefore recognize that the application of spatial information in daily life is of enormous varieties with different uses, users and stakeholders.
This learning path starts with the term Geographic phenomenon, which denotes a manifestation of an entity that can be named or described, georeferenced and assigned a time (interval) at which it is/was present.
Maps, which have the ability to deal with questions/answers related to the basic components of spatial or geographic data:location (geometry), characteristics (thematic attributes) and time, and combinations of thereof is our next item for discussion under this path.
The next element we will be looking at under this learning path is Database.
This takes us to the concept of GIS, which is a computerized system that facilitates the the capability of handling georeferenced data in manner like: *data Capture and Preparation; *data management (storage and maintenance); *data manipulation and analysis; and *data Presentation.
Models can be used to serve various objectives or functions, to enable users to better understand a spatial phenomenon, to represent a phenomenon, to measure or calculate a distance, or to set up plans for a disaster response unit within their cities. Hence this learning path introduces us to the term Model.
In conclusion,under this learning path it is good we know what cartographic communication processes are; as to help us understand cartographic design rules which facilitate that resulting maps are well understood by users.