Making decisions based on geography is basic to human thinking. Where shall we go, what will it be like, and what shall we do when we get there are applied to the simple event of going to the store or to the major event of launching a bathysphere into the ocean's depths. By understanding geography and people's relationship to location, we can make informed decisions about the way we live on our planet. A geographic information system (GIS) is a technological tool for comprehending geography and making intelligent decisions.In recent years, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial database technology are fast spreading across the tight circles of experts, working in the fields of geodesy and geography. In the first wave, GIS functions have been built into engineering applications, which were not just GIS cantered (as for example road design, emission calculation, building site-plan, environmental management etc.). The use has been accelerated through the component technology, which simplifies the insertion of GIS components into a variety of applications-including administration. We describe the need of creating and upgrading of the information system for Romanian road administration: basic application user interfaces were enriched with a specialized GIS component, which enables a fast and clear (geo) graphical view of the data about the selected part of the road network.Sustainable development is the balance of meeting humankind's present needs while protecting the environment to ensure the fulfi llment of future generations' needs. The growing human population and its demands on the earth's resources generate a need for sustainable practices. Implementing these practices often requires collaboration between different organizations. ESRI's commitment to developing interoperable technology sets the stage for cooperation between organizations so that they can make well-informed decisions. GIS software allows users across the globe to share ideas on how to meet their resource needs, plan efficient land use, and protect the environment to guarantee the survival of future generations

GIS, Sustainable Development, Road Network, Urbanization, Digital map

Presentation: oral