UNIT V: GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)

INTRODUCTION-GIS Geographical information is the information about geography, i.e., the information related to some specific set of locations on the Earths surface including the regions of atmosphere. The term GIS can be used wherever geographical information in digital form is manipulated, whatever be the purpose of that manipulation. Geographic information system (GIS) is a computer based system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographical data which are the digital representations of the Earths surface. i.e., using a computer to create a map.

Advantages: When comparing with other information systems, GIS satisfies the following needs: 1. The ability to preprocess large amount of data into a form suitable for analysis. Example Operations: Generalization. Reformatting, Change of projection, Resampling,

2. Direct support for analysis and modeling through instructions. Example Operations: Calibration of models, Forecasting, Prediction. 3. The ability to post-process the results. Example Operations: Reformatting, Tabulation, Report generation, Mapping Applications: GIS has been applied in many areas. Some of the important applications are: Natural resource management Land use planning Timber management Wildlife habitat analysis Riparian zone monitoring Natural hazard assessment

Emergency planning Market analysis Facilities management Transportation planning and Military applications

COMPONENTS OF GIS
Geographical information system is also known as spatial data analysis system. It has three components. They are 1. Computer Hardware -- Used to store process and display. 2. Software Modules -- Used to control and perform operations. 3. Organisational Context -- the human element required to drive the to meet needs. A balance between these three components is required for the satisfactory working of GIS.

Computer Hardware: The computer system used for GIS may range from portable personal computers (PCs) to multi-user supercomputers. Also, systems having dedicated and expensive work stations with built-in monitors and digitizing tables can also be used.

Basic Requirements: Whatever be the type of hardware and software used, the following elements are necessary for the efficient and effective operation of GIS. A processor with adequate power to run the software. Sufficient memory for storing large amount of data. A good quality, high resolution, color graphics screen and Data input and output devices. Hardware components of GIS: The typical hardware components of GIS are, Central Processing Unit (CPU). Mass Storage Units (Eg., Hard disk drives, Tape drives). Digitizer or scanner or keyboard- for spatial data input. Printer or plotter- for hard copy data display Visual Display Unit (VDU) These hardware components are shown in Fig. 5.1.

Fig. 5.1. Hardware Components of GIS

CPU (Central processing) unit is joined with mass storage units such as hard disk drives and tape drives, which provides space for storing data and programs. Printer- it is a device used to prints the results of data processing on a paper. Plotter- is a computer printing device for printing vector graphics on a paper. Scanner- it is used to scans documents and converts them into digital data. Tape drive- it is used to store data or programs on magnetic tape for communicating with other systems. VDU (Visual display Unit) - it is used to control the computer and other peripherals. It is otherwise known as terminal or work station. Hard disk- (HDD; also hard drive, or disk drive) a device for storing and retrieving digital information, primarily computer data.

Software Modules : Geographical information system can be programmed using a wide variety of software packages. There are number of essential software elements that must allow the user to input, store, manage, transform, analyze and output data. Therefore, the software package for a GIS consists of four technical modules. The basic modules are: 1. 2. 3. 4. Data input and verification Data storage and database management Data transformation and manipulation and Data output and presentation

Two types of operating systems are performed to run GIS. They are: Windows Operating System Unix Operating System

Thus, the GIS software includes the program and the user interface for driving the hardware. The following is a list of GIS software producers and their main products. 1. Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI): ArcInfo, ArcView. 2. Autodesk: AutoCAD Map 3. Clark Labs: IDRISI 4. International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences: ILWIS 5. MapinfoCorporation: Mapinfo 6. Bentley Systems: Microstation. 7. PCI Geomatics: PAMAP 8. TYDAC Inc. : SPANS

Organisational Context: The organisational context or aspect is nothing but the way the information flows and the way in which the analysis is done. It involves three sub components:

Data: Data consists of various kinds of inputs that the system takes to produce information. People: People refers to GIS professionals and users who define the purpose and objectives, and provide the reason and justification for using GIS. Infrastructure: The Infrastructure refers to the necessary physical, organizational, administrative, and cultural environments that support GIS operations. The Infrastructure includes the following, 1. Requisite skills 2. Data standards 3. Data clearinghouses and 4. General organizational patterns