GIS_1

Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Page 1: Introduction to GIS

• Definition of GIS as a geographical information system.

Page 2: What is GIS?

• Geographic/Geospatial Information: Knowledge about places on Earth and their changes over time.

  • Emphasizes the importance of temporal data.

• GIS Components:

  • Systems: The technology used in GIS.

  • Science: Concepts and theories underlying GIS operations.

  • Studies: Societal contexts where GIS is applied.

Page 3: Geographic Information Technologies

• Key Technologies in GIS:

  • Global Positioning Systems (GPS): Uses satellites for precise location identification (from 100 meters to sub-centimeter accuracy).

  • Remote Sensing (RS): Captures earth surface data using satellites or aircraft (produces digital ortho images).

  • Geographic Information Systems (GISy): Software that manages geographic data, integrating inputs from GPS and RS.

Page 4: The Importance of GIS Systems, Science, and Studies

• Focus of GISC 6381 GIS Fundamentals:

  • Systems: Technology management of spatial information.

  • Science: Theoretical foundations for data representation in space and time.

  • Studies: Social, legal, and ethical implications of GIS applications.

Page 5: Defining Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• Historical Definitions of GIS:

  • Tomlinson (1972): Intersection of information processing and spatial analysis.

  • Burroughs (1986): Tools for spatial data management and display.

  • NCGIA (1987): Computerized database for spatial data functions.

  • Cowen (1988): Decision support system integrating spatially referenced data.

Page 6: An Inelegant Definition of GISy

• Overview: Integrated computer-based tools for comprehensive spatial data processing (capture, storage, retrieval, analysis, and display).

  • Focuses on location relevance for operational support and decision-making.

Page 7: Intuitive Description of GIS

• Conceptual Overview:

  • GIS as a map with an underlying database functioning as a virtual real-world representation.

  • Emphasizes querying for operational support, summarizing for strategic decision-making, and analyzing for scientific inquiry.

Page 8: Differentiating GIS from Related Systems

• Comparison with Other Systems:

  • Database Management Systems (DBMS): Lack explicit spatial coordinates.

  • Automated Mapping: Display oriented, limited in spatial analysis compatibility.

  • CAD/CAM: Focus on 3D graphics without geographic referencing.

  • Scientific Visualization Systems: Lack spatial analysis capabilities and database support.

Page 9: Why Study GIS?

• Significance of GIS in Various Sectors:

  • 80% of local government activities involve geographic data (e.g., infrastructure, safety).

  • State government applications include resource management and transportation.

  • Business utilization for logistics, site selection, and market analysis.

  • Military uses for battlefield management and analysis.

  • Relevance in scientific research across various disciplines.

Page 10: Major Areas of GIS Application

• Key Industries Utilizing GIS:

  • Local Government: Infrastructure management, property appraisal.

  • Real Estate and Marketing: Location analysis.

  • Public Safety: Crime and emergency management.

  • Natural Resources: Exploration and extraction.

  • Transportation: Route planning.

  • Public Health: Epidemiological studies.

Page 11: Examples of Applied GIS

• Sectors utilizing GIS:

  • Urban Planning: Zoning, emergency response, economic development.

  • Environmental Sciences: Monitoring, hazard analysis, watershed management.

  • Political Science: Election analysis, redistricting.

  • Civil Engineering: Utility management and infrastructure coordination.

  • Business: Demographics and market share analysis.

  • Healthcare: Needs analysis and epidemiological tracking.

Page 12: Functions of GIS Applications

• Capabilities of GIS:

  • Automates geographic data activities (mapping, routing, measurement).

  • Integrates previously isolated data sets.

  • Supports complex spatial queries and modeling.

Page 13: GIS System Architecture and Components

• Overview of GIS components including:

  • Data input and query input.

  • Database storage and data output.

  • Processes: Transformation and Analysis.

Page 14: Knowledge Base for GIS

• Fields relevant to GIS Knowledge:

  • Public administration, planning, geology, marketing, civil engineering.

  • Computer science fields like MIS, graphics, and visualization.

  • Geography-related areas: cartography, geodesy, spatial statistics.

Page 17: The Purpose of GIS Data Model

• GIS Data Model Objectives:

  • Digitally represents real-world geographic features for analysis in a map format.

Page 20: GIS Data Model Implementation

• Layering of GIS Data:

  • Information organized by layers indicating different geographies.

  • Geographic location as the fundamental organizing principle.

Page 21: GIS Data Model Examples

• Key Data Layer Types:

  • Roads (lines), Hydrology (water features), Topography (land elevation).

  • Description of data types: Spatial data (location) and attribute data (characteristics).

Page 22: Spatial and Attribute Data

• Explanation of Data Types:

  • Spatial Data: Specifies location (stored in shape files).

  • Attribute Data: Descriptive details about features (stored in database tables).

  • Integration in GIS systems for analysis and visualization.

Page 23: Representing Data with Raster and Vector Models

• Data Representation Methods:

  • Raster Model: Covered by grids with equal-sized cells, attributes assigned based on the majority feature.

  • Vector Model: Geographic features represented as points (nodes), lines (arcs), or polygons (areas).

Page 26: Key Spatial Data Properties

• Important Properties Explained:

  • Projection: Method to represent Earth's surface on flat maps.

  • Scale: Ratio of map distance to ground distance.

  • Accuracy: How closely database info aligns with the real world.

  • Resolution: Smallest feature recognizable in the dataset.

Page 28: GIS Layers in Applications

• Example Layers:

  • Street network (lines), land parcels (polygons), digital ortho photographs (image layer).

  • Attributes such as projection and accuracy recorded for each layer.

Page 31: Anatomy of a GIS Database

• GIS Database Structure:

  • Integration of vector layers, attribute tables, and raster layers into a comprehensive database.

Page 32: Overview of Hands-on Projects

• Example Projects in GIS:

  • Locating day-care facilities, analyzing Texas demographic growth, geocoding housing sales, creating census tract layers, and routing pipelines.

Page 34: GIS Software Packages

• Major GIS Software Providers:

  • ESRI, Inc.: Industry leader, known for ArcInfo.

  • MapInfo: Established in business applications like site selection.

  • Intergraph: Originated from CAD hardware/software.

  • Bentley Systems and Autodesk: Software mainly for engineering and small business applications.

Page 36: ESRI Product Line-up

• Description of ESRI's software offerings:

  • Free viewers (ArcReader, ArcExplorer), ArcGIS Desktop modules, and specialized tools.

Page 39: Future of GIS Systems

• Development trends:

  • Emphasis on generic GIS capabilities over the Internet, with various web services shaping future applications.