3. Geographic Information
Systems(GIS)
A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data
for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically
referenced information.
GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in
many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of
maps, globes, reports, and charts.
A GIS helps you answer questions and solve problems by looking at your data in
a way that is quickly understood and easily shared.
GIS technology can be integrated into any enterprise information system
framework
4. GIS is a relatively new field — it started in the 1970’s. It used to be
that computerised GIS was only available to companies and
universities that had expensive computer equipment. These days,
anyone with a personal computer or laptop can use GIS software.
Over time GIS Applications have also become easier to use –– it
used to require a lot of training to use a GIS Application, but now
it is much easier to get started in GIS even for amateurs and casual
users. As we described above, GIS is more than just software, it
refers to all aspects of managing and using digital geographical
data. In the tutorials that follow we will be focusing on GIS
Software.
5. Technologies Used In (GIS)
Modern GIS technologies use digital information, for which various digitized data
creation methods are used. The most common method of data creation is
digitization, where a hard copy map or survey plan is transferred into a digital medium
through the use of a CAD program, and geo-referencing capabilities. With the wide
availability of ortho-rectified imagery (both from satellite and aerial sources), heads-up
digitizing is becoming the main avenue through which geographic data is extracted.
Heads-up digitizing involves the tracing of geographic data directly on top of the aerial
imagery instead of by the traditional method of tracing the geographic form on a
separatedigitizing tablet (heads-down digitizing).
GIS allows multiple layers of
information to be displayed on a single
map.
6. GIS components
6
Specific applications /
decision making objectives
?
G I S
Spatial
data
Computer hardware /
software tools
SPATIAL Data
Information referenced by its
location in space
Computer Hardware ––
computers used for storing
data, displaying graphics and
processing data.
Computer Software ––
computer programs that run on
the computer hardware and
allow you to work with digital
data. A software program that
forms part of the GIS is called a
GIS Application.
Functional Parts
9. FindingsTop Five Benefits of GIS
GIS benefits organizations of all sizes and in
almost every industry. There is a growing
awareness of the economic and strategic value of
GIS. The benefits of GIS generally fall into five
basic categories:
Cost Savings and Increased Efficiency
Better Decision Making
Improved Communication
Better Recordkeeping
Managing Geographically
GIS is widely used to optimize maintenance
schedules and daily fleet movements. Typical
implementations can result in a savings of 10
to 30 percent in operational expenses through
reduction in fuel use and staff time, improved
customer service, and more efficient
scheduling.
GIS is the go-to technology for making better decisions about location
Common examples include real estate site selection, route/corridor
selection, evacuation planning, conservation, natural resource
extraction, etc. Making correct decisions about location is critical to th
success of an organization.
GIS-based maps and visualizations greatly
assist in understanding situations and in
storytelling. They are a type of language
that improves communication between
different
teams, departments, disciplines, profession
al fields, organizations, and the public.
Many organizations have a primary
responsibility of maintaining authoritative
records about the status and change of
geography. GIS provides a strong framework for
managing these types of records with full
transaction support and reporting tools
GIS is becoming essential to understanding
what is happening—and what will happen—in
geographic space. Once we understand, we can
prescribe action. This new approach to
management—managing geographically—is
transforming the way that organizations
operate.
10. SUMMARY
Geography is the science of our world. Coupled with GIS, geography is helping us to
better understand the earth and apply geographic knowledge to a host of human
activities. The outcome is the emergence of The Geographic Approach—a new way of
thinking and problem solving that integrates geographic information into how we
understand and manage our planet. This approach allows us to create geographic
knowledge by measuring the earth, organizing this data, and analyzing and modeling
various processes and their relationships. The Geographic Approach also allows us to
apply this knowledge to the way we design, plan, and change our world.
11. Step 1: Ask
Step 2: Acquire
After clearly defining the problem, it is necessary to
determine the data needed to complete your analysis and
ascertain where that data can be found or generated. The
type of data and the geographic scope of your project will
help direct your methods of collecting data and conducting
the analysis.
Step 3: Examine
You will not know for certain whether the data you have acquired is
appropriate for your study until you thoroughly examine it. This
includes visual inspection, as well as investigating how the data is
organized (its schema), how well the data corresponds to other
datasets and the rules of the physical world (its topology), and the
story of where the data came from (its metadata).
Step 4: Analyze
The data is processed and analyzed based on the method of
examination or analysis you choose, which is dependent on
the results you hope to achieve. Do not underestimate the
power of "eyeballing" the data
Step 5: Act
Approaching a problem geographically involves framing the question from a location-based perspective.
What is the problem you are trying to solve or analyze, and where is it locate
The results and presentation of the analysis are important parts of The Geographic Approach. The
results can be shared through reports, maps, tables, and charts and delivered in printed form or
digitally over a network or on the Web.
12. CONCLUSION
• Numerous opportunities exist to learn GIS technology skills and
stay current with best practices.
• Whether you are new to GIS or a seasoned GIS
professional, proper education and training are essential to your
success.
• A variety of degree and certificate programs are available all
over the world.
• GIS software training is available in formal
classroom and online/distance programs, or you can choose
to learn GIS on your own time.