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EVT521
Hands out: Chapter 2
Spatial data Model, Concepts of data model, Raster data model, Vector data model, and
Topology

2. COORDINATE SYSTEMS

Geographic Coordinate Systems

Maps Projections
Commonly Used Map Projections
Projected Coordinates
Automated Cartography versus GIS

Projection converts data sets from geographic coordinates to projected

coordinates.
Reprojection converts from one type of projected coordinates to another type.

2.1 Geographic Coordinate Systems

o Is the location reference system for spatial features on the earths surface.
o Define by longitude and latitude which are angular measurements.
o Longitude measures the angle east or west from the prime meridian.
o Latitude measures the angle north or south from equator plane.

2.1.1 Datum
o Is a mathematical model of the earth which serves as the reference or base for
calculating the geographic coordinates.
o Consists;
an origin
parameters of spheroid selected for the computations
separation of the spheroid and the earth at the origin
o There are many examples of datum used; such as NAD83 (North American Datum of
1983) introduced by National Geodetic Survey (NGS)., and WGS-84 (World
Geodetic System 1984) introduced and established by National Imagery and
Mapping Agency (NIMA).
o WGS-84 is the datum for GPS readings. The satellite used by GPS send their
positions in WGS-84 coordinates and all calculations internal to GPS receivers are
based on WGS-84.

2.2 Map Projections

o Process to transform the spherical earths surface to a plane.

o Involved distortions, caused to hundreds of map projection have been developed for
map maker.
o Every map projection preserves certain spatial properties while sacrificing other
properties.
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2.2.1 Types of Map Projections

o Can be group either the preserved property AND the projection surface.
o Preserves properties of four classes;
i. Conformal
ii. Equal area or equivalent
iii. Equidistant
iv. Azimuthal or true direction

o A conformal projection preserves local angles and shapes.

o An equivalent projection represents areas in correct relative size.
o An equidistant projection maintains consistency of scale along certain lines.
o An azimuthal projection retains certain accurate directions.

o Map projections can be grouped by their projection surfaces into; cylindrical, conic,
and azimuthal.

2.3 Commonly Used Map Projections

o Transverse Mercator
o Lambert Conformal Conic
o Albers Equal-Area Conic
o Equidistant Conic

2.4 Projected Coordinates

o Also called a plane coordinate system is built on a map projection.
o Projected coordinate systems and map projections are often interchangeably.
o i.e Lambert conformal conic is a map projection but it can also refer to a coordinate
system.
o Three coordinate systems are commonly used in the US:,
i. UTM
ii. UPS
iii. SPC

2.5 Analog versus GIS: A Comparison of input Subsystem Functions

o There are differences between Computer Assisted Cartography (CAC), Computer

Assisted Drafting (CAD), and GIS.
o CAC is designed to create maps from graphical objects combined with descriptive
attributes but generally lack on the analytical capabilities as GIS.
o Pure mapping purposes it is highly desirable to use CAC system.
o CAD a computer system developed to produce graphic images but not normally tied to
external descriptive data files. Is excellent software for architect.

Map GIS

Input recorded (compiled) on paper from a Input encode into computer from a
collected source collected source
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o Points o Points
o Lines o Lines
o Areas o Areas

Sources Sources
o Aerial photography o Same as map data
o Digital remote sensing o Digital line graph (DLG)
o Surveying o Digital elevation models (DEM)
o Visual descriptions o Digital orthophotoquads
o Census data o Other digital databases
o Statistical data, etc

2.6 A Comparison of storage and retrieval subsystem functions

Map GIS

Points, lines, and areas are drawn on paper Points, lines, and areas are stored as grid cells
with symbols. or coordinate pairs and pointer in computer.

Retrieval is simply a matter of map reading Attribute tables are associated with coordinate
pairs.
Retrieval requires efficient computer search
techniques.

o A major difference between GIS and cartography, beyond the emphasis on analysis
in GIS, is the method of reporting the results of analysis.

Map Output GIS Output

Graphic device only The map is only one type of GIS output

Many forms of maps With minor exceptions, GIS offers same

options as traditional hand-drawn maps
Modifications can include cartograms, etc Also includes tables, charts, diagrams,
photographs, etc