What is GIS?

Geographic Information Systems are

computer-based tools that facilitate
mapping and spatial analysis of Earths
features and events.
GIS enables you to better understand and
evaluate your data by using cartographic tools to
display information stored in your database.

With its capabilities for spatial analysis , GIS

can reveal hidden patterns and relationships
between data that arent readily apparent in
spreadsheets or statistical packages.
GIS can create many different kinds of maps
 GIS Data
Thematic layers containing features
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Imagery
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Points
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Lines
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Areas

Grids
 Vector Layers
Points, Lines, Polygons

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# Political Boundaries
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# Linguistic Regions
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Streets
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Trade Routes
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# Addresses
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# Churches
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Census Blocks
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Example
of a
Polygon
Layer
 Raster Layers

Maps of continuous data:

Elevation
Temperature
Rainfall Population Grid

Population
Imagery in GIS
TYPES
Aerial Photos
B/W, Color
Satellite Imagery
Landsat, SPOT
Scanned maps

USES
As a backdrop layer
for spatial reference
To discover changes in
the landscape over
time
 GIS Data Structure
STACKED MAP LAYERS: Each layer
represents a unique phenomenon. The layers are
superimposed and geo-referenced.

Distance to Employers

Political Boundaries

Geocoded Addresses

Street Data
You can change the display of your
geographic data by changing the symbols,
colors, or legend classifications.
 GIS: I for Information
GIS-formatted data; shapefiles, coverages, etc..
Your own data with explicit or implicit
geographic references.
An explicit geographic reference is absolutely
tied to the earth such as latitude and longitude.
Data from GPS units.
An implicit geographic reference such as an
address, census tract code, forest stand
identifier, or county, can be included by
joining tables or using an automated process
called "geocoding."
Why you may want to use GIS
Place historical analysis in geographic context

Determine and illustrate changes through time

Interpret texts in relation to historical maps

Index and retrieve material by spatial and temporal

location

Analyze and present the spatial distribution of literature,

art or material culture

Analyze information in historical records, images and maps

Map linguistic, ethnic and cultural traits

Deliver information as interactive maps and databases on

the web
Examples of Applying GIS
in Humanities Research
 Mapping
linguistic
regions in the
Ivory Coast

http://www.ethnologue.com/
Mapping the Accused & the
Accusers in Salem, 1692
 The 1860 Presidential Election:
The Augusta Vote by Electoral District
http://jefferson.village.virginia.edu/vshadow2/
Incorporating Historical maps
with modern spatial data

Wheelers 1883 map of Yosemite Valley in 3-D

Comparing New York City in 1836 with 1997
Austronesian Languages in Taiwan
Tracing the Origins and
Migration Routes of the Tai, an
East and Southeast Asian ethnic
group
 Conclusions
GIS can display spatial patterns hidden in
tables and databases

It allows you to create detailed and intelligent

maps

You may integrate data to reveal trends and

relationships that bring new perspectives to
previously held beliefs about places and events

Research within the humanities often involves

questions with a spatial component that GIS
can address.