Geography Matters

Whether you're on vacation for the holidays or looking ahead to a summer break, GIS can help you plan a great vacation.

Many cities, states, and countries offer Web sites that cater to tourists. A quick search on the Internet can reveal a new way and interactive way to plan a vacation.

 Washington D.C., for example, provides online mapping applications to help you plan your stay called the D.C. Guide. The site gives you tools to create your own map and begins by asking you to "Add Geography." From there you can "play" with an interactive map that includes aerial views and an option to print.

Going to England? Waterscape.com (by British Waterways) offers a variety of interactive maps to help you plan a vacation along Britain's waterways for walking, fishing, boating, or just shopping. For each map, you can add or remove layers representing various points of interest.

Of course, weather.com, by The Weather Channel, gives you current and forecast weather conditions for your destination, including satellite maps that show weather in motion. The site also offers travel guides so you can chose your next trip by location, weather, or activity.

Are you a skier? You can search for resorts with snow. If, on the other hand, you prefer golf, you can find places where the weather favors a round of 18 free from storms and high winds.