Which of the following is NOT a function of GIS?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of what a Geographic Information System (GIS) is designed to do. GIS primarily serves to manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data to support decision-making and problem-solving in various fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and transportation.

Creating hardware is not a function of GIS. Instead, GIS is a software-based application that processes spatial information and does not directly involve the creation or manufacturing of the physical devices that run the software or support data collection. Hardware, such as computers and GPS devices, is essential for the functioning of GIS, but it falls outside the scope of the system's capabilities.

On the other hand, data summarization is a crucial function of GIS, as it allows users to aggregate and interpret large amounts of spatial data in a meaningful way. Editing attributes allows for the modification and updating of geographic data, ensuring that the information used for analysis is accurate and current. Terrain analysis is another vital GIS function involving the assessment of landforms, slopes, and elevation, providing insights for various applications, including environmental studies and resource management.