GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

SYSTEM
 A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool
for mapping and analyzing spatial data.
 GIS technology integrates common database operations such as
query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and
geographic analysis benefits offered by maps.
 These abilities distinguish GIS from other information systems
and make it valuable to a wide range of public and private
enterprises for explaining events, predicting outcomes, and
planning strategies.
 GIS is considered to be one of the most important new
technologies, with the potential to revolutionize many aspects of
society through increased ability to make decisions and solve
problems.
COMPONENTS OF A GIS
 A working Geographic Information System seamlessly
integrates five key components:
 hardware,
 software,
 data,
 people, and
 methods
HARDWARE
 Hardware includes the computer on which a GIS operates,
the monitor on which results are displayed, and a printer
for making hard copies of the results.
 Today, GIS software runs on a wide range of hardware
types, from centralized computer servers to
desktopcomputers used in stand-alone or networked
configurations.
 The data files used in GIS are relatively large, so the
computer must have a fast processing speed and a large
hard drive capable of saving many files.
 Because a GIS outputs visual results, a large, high-
resolution monitor and a high-quality printer are
recommended.
SOFTWARE
 GIS software provides the functions and tools needed to
store, analyze, and display geographic information.
 Key software components include tools for the input and
manipulation of geographic information, a database
management system (DBMS), tools that support
geographic query, analysis, and visualization, and a
graphical user interface (GUI) for easy access to tools.
 The industry leader is ARC/INFO, produced by
Environmental Systems Research, Inc.
 The same company produces a more accessible product,
ArcView, that is similar to ARCINFO in many ways.
DATA

 Possibly the most important component of a GIS is the

data. A GIS will integrate spatial data with other data
resources and can even use a database management
system, used by most organizations to organize and
maintain their data, to manage spatial data.
 There are three ways to obtain the data to be used in a GIS.
 Geographic data and related tabular data can be collected
in-house or produced by digitizing images from aerial
photographs or published maps.
 Data can also be purchased from commercial data provider.
 Finally, data can be obtained from the federal government
at no cost.
PEOPLE
 GIS users range from technical specialists who design
and maintain the system to those who use it to help
them perform their everyday work.
 The basic techniques of GIS are simple enough to
master that even students in elementary schools are
learning to use GIS.
 Because the technology is used in so many ways,
experienced GIS users have a tremendous advantage in
today’s job market.
METHODS
 A successful GIS operates according to a well-designed
plan and business rules, which are the models and
operating practices unique to each organization.
HOW A GIS WORKS

 A GIS stores information about the world as a

collection of thematic layers that can be linked
together by geography.
 This simple but extremely powerful and versatile
concept has proven invaluable for solving many real-
world problems from modeling global atmospheric
circulation, to predicting rural land use, and
monitoring changes in rainforest ecosystems.
GEOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
 Geographic information contains either an explicit
geographic reference such as a latitude and longitude or
national grid coordinate, or an implicit reference such as an
address, postal code, census tract name, forest stand
identifier, or road name.
 An automated process called geocoding is used to create
explicit geographic references (multiple locations) from
implicit references (descriptions such as addresses).
 These geographic references can then be used to locate
features, such as a business or forest stand, and events,
such as an earthquake, on the Earth's surface for analysis
GIS TASKS
 General purpose GIS’s perform six tasks.
 Input of data
 Map making
 Manipulation of data
 File management
 Query and analysis
 Visualization of results
Input of Data
 Before geographic data can be used in a GIS, the data must
be converted into a suitable digital format.
 The process of converting data from paper maps or aerial
photographs into computer files is called digitizing.
 Modern GIS technology can automate this process fully for
large projects using scanning technology; smaller jobs may
require some manual digitizing which requires the use of a
digitizing table.
 Today many types of geographic data already exist in GIS-
compatible formats.
 These data can be loaded directly into a GIS
Map Making
 Maps have a special place in GIS.
 The process of making maps with GIS is much more
flexible than are traditional manual or automated
cartography approaches.
 It begins with database creation.
 Existing paper maps can be digitized and computer-
compatible information can be translated into the GIS.
 The GIS-based cartographic database can be both
continuous and scale free.
 Map products can then be created centered on any
location, at any scale, and showing selected information
symbolized effectively to highlight specific characteristics.
 The characteristics of
atlases and map series can
be encoded in computer
programs and compared
with the database at final
production time.
 Digital products for use in
other GIS’s can also be
derived by simply copying
data from the database. In a
large organization,
topographic databases can
be used as reference
frameworks by other
departments
Manipulation of Data
 It is likely that data types required for a particular GIS project will need
to be
 transformed or manipulated in some way to make them compatible
with your system.
 For example, geographic information is available at different scales
(street centerline
 files might be available at a scale of 1:100,000; census boundaries at
1:50,000; and
 postal codes at 1:10,000). Before this information can be integrated, it
must be
 transformed to the same scale. This could be a temporary
transformation for display
 purposes or a permanent one required for analysis. GIS technology
offers many tools
 for manipulating spatial data and for weeding out unnecessary data.
File Management
 For small GIS projects it may be sufficient to store
geographic information as simple
 files. There comes a point, however, when data
volumes become large and the number
 of data users becomes more than a few, that it is best
to use a database management
 system (DBMS) to help store, organize, and manage
data. A DBMS is nothing more
 than computer software for managing a database--an
integrated collection of data
 There are many different designs of DBMS’s, but in
GIS the relational design has been the most useful.
 In the relational design, data are stored conceptually as
a collection of tables.
 Common fields in different tables are used to link
them together.
 This simple design has been widely used, primarily
because of its flexibility and very wide deployment in
applications both within and without GIS
Query and Analysis
 Once you have a functioning GIS containing your geographic
information, you can begin to ask simple questions such as
 How far is it between two places?
 How is this particular parcel of land being used?
 What is the dominant soil type for oak forest?
 Where are all the sites suitable for relocating an endangered species?
 Where are all of the sites possessing certain characteristics?
 If I build a new highway here, how will animals in the area be affected?
 GIS provides both simple point-and-click query capabilities and
sophisticated analysis tools to provide timely information to managers
and analysts alike.
 GIS technology really comes into its own when used to analyze
geographic data to look for patterns and trends, and to undertake
"what if" scenarios.
Modern GIS’s have many powerful analytical
tools, but two are especially important
 Proximity Analysis &
 Overlay Analysis
 Proximity Analysis is used to examine spatial
relationships by determining the proximity
relationship between features
 Overlay Analysis integrates different data layers
to look for patterns and relationships.
 At its simplest, this could be a visual operation,
but analytical operations require one or more
data layers to be joined physically.
 For example, to analyze the impact of
urbanization on ecological characteristics of an
area, an overlay could integrate data on soils,
hydrology, slope, vegetation, and land use.
 Queries could be used to identify sources of
pollution, to delineate potentially sensitive
areas, or to plan for increased population
growth in the area.
Visualization
 For many types of geographic operations, the end
result is best visualized as a map or graph.
 Maps are very efficient at storing and communicating
geographic information.
 While cartographers have created maps for millennia,
GIS provides new and exciting tools to extend the art
and science of cartography.
 Map displays can be integrated with reports, three-
dimensional views, photographic images, and with
multimedia
THE IMPORTANCE OF GEOGRAPHIC
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
 The ability of GIS to search databases and perform
geographic queries has revolutionized many areas of
science and business.
 It can be invaluable during a decision-making process.
 The information can be presented succinctly and clearly in
the form of a map and accompanying report, allowing
decision makers to focus on the real issues rather than
trying to understand the data.
 Because GIS products can be produced quickly, multiple
scenarios can be evaluated efficiently and effectively.
 For this reason, in today’s world, the ability to use GIS is
increasingly important.
GIS in Disaster Management Cycle
 In the disaster prevention phase, GIS is used to
manage the large volume of data needed for the
hazard and risk assessment.
 In the disaster preparedness phase, it is a tool for
 the planning of evacuation routes,
 for the design of centres for emergency operations, and
 for the integration of satellite data with other relevant
data in the design of disaster warning systems.
 In the disaster relief phase, GIS is extremely useful
in combination with Global Positioning System in
search and rescue operations in areas that have been
devastated and where it is difficult to find ones
bearings.
 In the disaster rehabilitation phase, GIS is used to
organise the damage information and the post-disaster
census information, and in the evaluation of sites for
reconstruction.
 Hence, GIS is a useful tool in disaster management if it
is used effectively and efficiently