GIS a program or specially defined procedure, generally in addition to the standard set of basic software functions supplied by a GIS —note 1. an application is usually developed by the vendor or by a third party and purchased separately —note 2. developed to perform a series of steps, these applications may create specialized reports or complex map products, or lead an operator through a decision process —note 3. some of the more common applications are now becoming part of basic software functions This definition last updated 10/23/2008