What is GIS?
A geographic information system (GIS) is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates many types of data. It analyzes spatial location and organizes layers of information into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes. With this unique capability, GIS reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, relationships, and situations—helping users make smarter decisions.
GIS is one of many information technologies that have transformed the ways geographers conduct research and contribute to society. In the past two decades, these information technologies have had tremendous effects on research techniques specific to geography, as well as on the general ways in which scientists and scholars communicate and collaborate
It helps people reach a common goal: to gain actionable intelligence from all types of data. The utility of computer has become so important nowadays, that almost all our activities have some bearing on computers. Its ability to quick and efficient processing of the given task has revolutionized our life. Spatial Information Technology is the outcome of developments in computer technology. Geography, as with for other subjects, stipulates the use of information technology to gain access to additional information sources and to assist in handling, presenting and analyzing spatial informations. Internet and computerization has opened a vast new potential in the way we perceive, communicate and analyze our surrounding spatial phenomena. Data representing the real world can be stored, processed and presented in relatively simplified forms to suit specific needs. This provides base for geographical information system.
Computerization has opened a vast new potential in the way we communicate, analyze our surroundings, and make decisions. Data representing the real world can be stored and processed so that they can be presented later in simplified forms to suit specific needs. Many of our decisions depend on the details of our immediate surroundings, and require information about specific places on the Earth’s surface. Such information is called geographical because t helps us to distinguish one place from another and to make decisions for one place that are appropriate for that location. Geographical information allows us to apply general principles to the specific conditions of each location, allows us to track what is happening at any place, and helps us to understand how one place differs from another Geographical information, then, is essential for effective planning and decision making.
Figure 1.1: GIS builds database those results from data processing of real world information
We are used to thinking about geographical information in the form of maps, photos taken from aircraft, and images collected from satellites, so it may be difficult at first to understand how such information can be represented in digital form as strings of zeros and ones. If we can express the contents of a map or image in digital form, the power of the computer opens an enormous range of possibilities for communication, analysis, modelling, and accurate decision making (Figure 1.2) At the same time, we must constantly be aware of the fact that the digital representation of geography is not equal to the geography itself-any digital representation involves some degree of approximation.
GIS is one of many information technologies that have transformed the ways geographers conduct research and contribute to society. In the past two decades, these information technologies have had tremendous effects on research techniques specific to geography, as well as on the general ways in which scientists and scholars communicate and collaborate.
Discipline-Specific Tools:
1] Cartography and Computer: Assisted Drafting: Computers offer the same advantages to cartographers that word-processing software offers writers. Automated techniques are now the rule rather than the exception in cartographic production.
2] Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing: Aerial photogrammetry, a well – established technique for cartographic production and geographic analysis, is now complemented by the use of ‘remotely sensed’ information gathered by satellites in outer space. Information technologies have made both sorts of information far more readily available and far easier to use.
3] Spatial Statistics: Statistical analysis and modelling of spatial patterns and processes have long relied on computer technology. Advances in information technology have made these techniques more widely accessible and have allowed models to expand in complexity and scale to provide more accurate depictions of real-world processes.
4] Geographic Information Systems (GIS): These systems allow geographers to collate and analyze information far more readily than is possible with traditional research techniques. As will be noted below, GIS can be viewed as an integrating technology insofar as it draws upon and extends techniques that geographers have long used to analyze natural and social systems.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS: A GENERIC DEFINITION:
GIS is a special-purpose digital database in which a common spatial coordinate system is the primary means of reference. Comprehensive GIS require a means of:
1. Data input, from maps, aerial photos, satellites, surveys, and other sources.
2. Data storage, retrieval, and query.
3. Data transformation, analysis, and modelling, including spatial statistics.
4. Data reporting, such as maps, reports, and plans.
THREE OBSERVATIONS SHOULD BE MADE ABOUT THIS DEFINITION:
First: GIS are related to other database applications, but with an important difference. All information in a GIS is linked to a spatial reference. Other databases may contain locational information (such as street addresses, or zip codes), but a GIS database uses Geo-references as the primary means of storing and accessing information.
Second: GIS integrates technology. Whereas other technologies might be used only to analyze aerial photographs and satellite images, to create statistical models, or to draft maps, these capabilities are all offered together within a comprehensive GIS.
Third: GIS, with its array of functions, should be viewed as a process rather than as merely software or hardware. GIS are for making decisions. The way in which data is entered, stored, and analyzed within a GIS must mirror the way information will be used for a specific research or decision making task. To see GIS as merely a software or hardware system is to miss the crucial role it can play in a comprehensive decision-making process.
What Actually GIS is?
GIS is expressed in individual letters G – I – S and not at pronunciation GIS. It stands for geographic or geographical information systems. Geographic Information Science is a new interdisciplinary field. It is built upon knowledge from geography, cartography, computer science, mathematics etc.
GIS can be defined as ‘A system for Capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analysing and displaying data which are spatially referenced to the Earth. This is normally considered to involve a spatially referenced computer database and appropriate applications software’. GIS needs spatial data, this makes it unique. Here spatial means – related to the space– the real world location. That is why GIS is based on basic geographic concepts.
A Geographic Information System is an integration of computer hardware and software which can create manipulate, and analyze a geographically referenced data base to produce new maps and tabular data GIS includes the capabilities of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Data Base Management Systems (DBMS), but is more than just a combination of those systems. In a GIS, a relationship between the graphic map data and the tabular data base is maintained so that changes to the map are reflected in the data base GIS allows automatic determination of the relationships between maps, and can create new maps of those relationships.
Geographic Information System (GIS) can also be defined as:
The organized activity by which people Measure aspects of geographic phenomena and processes;
Represent these measurements, usually in the form of a computer database, to emphasize spatial themes, entities, and relationships; Operate upon these representations to produce more measurements and to discover new relationships by integrating disparate sources Transform these representations to conform to other frameworks of entities and relationships.
These activities reflect the larger context (institutions and cultures) in which these people carry out their work. In turn, the GIS may influence these structures.
Other Definitions:
Many people offer definitions of GIS. In the range of definitions presented below, different emphases are placed on various aspects of GIS. Some miss the true power of GIS, its ability to integrate information and to help in making decisions, but all include the essential features of spatial references and data analysis.
**********
A geographic information system (GIS) is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates many types of data. It analyzes spatial location and organizes layers of information into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes. With this unique capability, GIS reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, relationships, and situations—helping users make smarter decisions.
GIS is one of many information technologies that have transformed the ways geographers conduct research and contribute to society. In the past two decades, these information technologies have had tremendous effects on research techniques specific to geography, as well as on the general ways in which scientists and scholars communicate and collaborate
It helps people reach a common goal: to gain actionable intelligence from all types of data. The utility of computer has become so important nowadays, that almost all our activities have some bearing on computers. Its ability to quick and efficient processing of the given task has revolutionized our life. Spatial Information Technology is the outcome of developments in computer technology. Geography, as with for other subjects, stipulates the use of information technology to gain access to additional information sources and to assist in handling, presenting and analyzing spatial informations. Internet and computerization has opened a vast new potential in the way we perceive, communicate and analyze our surrounding spatial phenomena. Data representing the real world can be stored, processed and presented in relatively simplified forms to suit specific needs. This provides base for geographical information system.
Computerization has opened a vast new potential in the way we communicate, analyze our surroundings, and make decisions. Data representing the real world can be stored and processed so that they can be presented later in simplified forms to suit specific needs. Many of our decisions depend on the details of our immediate surroundings, and require information about specific places on the Earth’s surface. Such information is called geographical because t helps us to distinguish one place from another and to make decisions for one place that are appropriate for that location. Geographical information allows us to apply general principles to the specific conditions of each location, allows us to track what is happening at any place, and helps us to understand how one place differs from another Geographical information, then, is essential for effective planning and decision making.
We are used to thinking about geographical information in the form of maps, photos taken from aircraft, and images collected from satellites, so it may be difficult at first to understand how such information can be represented in digital form as strings of zeros and ones. If we can express the contents of a map or image in digital form, the power of the computer opens an enormous range of possibilities for communication, analysis, modelling, and accurate decision making (Figure 1.2) At the same time, we must constantly be aware of the fact that the digital representation of geography is not equal to the geography itself-any digital representation involves some degree of approximation.
GIS is one of many information technologies that have transformed the ways geographers conduct research and contribute to society. In the past two decades, these information technologies have had tremendous effects on research techniques specific to geography, as well as on the general ways in which scientists and scholars communicate and collaborate.
Discipline-Specific Tools:
1] Cartography and Computer: Assisted Drafting: Computers offer the same advantages to cartographers that word-processing software offers writers. Automated techniques are now the rule rather than the exception in cartographic production.
2] Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing: Aerial photogrammetry, a well – established technique for cartographic production and geographic analysis, is now complemented by the use of ‘remotely sensed’ information gathered by satellites in outer space. Information technologies have made both sorts of information far more readily available and far easier to use.
3] Spatial Statistics: Statistical analysis and modelling of spatial patterns and processes have long relied on computer technology. Advances in information technology have made these techniques more widely accessible and have allowed models to expand in complexity and scale to provide more accurate depictions of real-world processes.
4] Geographic Information Systems (GIS): These systems allow geographers to collate and analyze information far more readily than is possible with traditional research techniques. As will be noted below, GIS can be viewed as an integrating technology insofar as it draws upon and extends techniques that geographers have long used to analyze natural and social systems.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS: A GENERIC DEFINITION:
GIS is a special-purpose digital database in which a common spatial coordinate system is the primary means of reference. Comprehensive GIS require a means of:
1. Data input, from maps, aerial photos, satellites, surveys, and other sources.
2. Data storage, retrieval, and query.
3. Data transformation, analysis, and modelling, including spatial statistics.
4. Data reporting, such as maps, reports, and plans.
THREE OBSERVATIONS SHOULD BE MADE ABOUT THIS DEFINITION:
First: GIS are related to other database applications, but with an important difference. All information in a GIS is linked to a spatial reference. Other databases may contain locational information (such as street addresses, or zip codes), but a GIS database uses Geo-references as the primary means of storing and accessing information.
Second: GIS integrates technology. Whereas other technologies might be used only to analyze aerial photographs and satellite images, to create statistical models, or to draft maps, these capabilities are all offered together within a comprehensive GIS.
Third: GIS, with its array of functions, should be viewed as a process rather than as merely software or hardware. GIS are for making decisions. The way in which data is entered, stored, and analyzed within a GIS must mirror the way information will be used for a specific research or decision making task. To see GIS as merely a software or hardware system is to miss the crucial role it can play in a comprehensive decision-making process.
What Actually GIS is?
GIS is expressed in individual letters G – I – S and not at pronunciation GIS. It stands for geographic or geographical information systems. Geographic Information Science is a new interdisciplinary field. It is built upon knowledge from geography, cartography, computer science, mathematics etc.
GIS can be defined as ‘A system for Capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analysing and displaying data which are spatially referenced to the Earth. This is normally considered to involve a spatially referenced computer database and appropriate applications software’. GIS needs spatial data, this makes it unique. Here spatial means – related to the space– the real world location. That is why GIS is based on basic geographic concepts.
A Geographic Information System is an integration of computer hardware and software which can create manipulate, and analyze a geographically referenced data base to produce new maps and tabular data GIS includes the capabilities of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Data Base Management Systems (DBMS), but is more than just a combination of those systems. In a GIS, a relationship between the graphic map data and the tabular data base is maintained so that changes to the map are reflected in the data base GIS allows automatic determination of the relationships between maps, and can create new maps of those relationships.
Geographic Information System (GIS) can also be defined as:
The organized activity by which people Measure aspects of geographic phenomena and processes;
Represent these measurements, usually in the form of a computer database, to emphasize spatial themes, entities, and relationships; Operate upon these representations to produce more measurements and to discover new relationships by integrating disparate sources Transform these representations to conform to other frameworks of entities and relationships.
These activities reflect the larger context (institutions and cultures) in which these people carry out their work. In turn, the GIS may influence these structures.
Other Definitions:
Many people offer definitions of GIS. In the range of definitions presented below, different emphases are placed on various aspects of GIS. Some miss the true power of GIS, its ability to integrate information and to help in making decisions, but all include the essential features of spatial references and data analysis.
**********
Do u like information..so please comment it..
ReplyDelete