Notes

UNIT 5

REMOTE SENSING

AKTU

@Professor_gurukul
 GIS stands for Geographic Information System.
It is a computer-based tool that helps us store, map, and analyze data related
to locations on the Earth.

Imagine a smart map that not only shows you where things are, but also tells you
what they are, how they’re related, and what’s happening there.

💡 Simple Example:
A regular map shows where a city is.
A GIS map can show:
Where the city is✅
What the population is 👥
Where the schools, hospitals, and roads are 🏥🏫
Which areas are flood-prone 🌊
And you can analyze all this data together to make better decisions.

What GIS Can Do:

Map data (like roads, rivers, or buildings)
Combine different layers of information (e.g., rainfall + soil
type)
Help in planning (e.g., best place to build a school or road)
Track changes over time (e.g., deforestation)
 The main methods of data input into GIS (Geographic Information
Systems):
1. Manual Digitizing
Tracing features from a paper map or scanned image to create vector data (points,
lines, polygons).
Can be done using a digitizing tablet or on-screen digitizing (heads-up digitizing).
2. Scanning
Converting paper maps or images into raster format using a scanner.
Scanned images can be georeferenced to align them with real-world coordinates.
3. Importing Existing Digital Data
Importing ready-made GIS data in formats like:
Shapefiles (.shp)
GeoJSON
Raster images (.tif, .img, .jpg)
Data can also come from GIS databases like PostGIS, Oracle Spatial, or spatial
extensions of SQL.
4. Remote Sensing
Using satellite imagery or aerial photography to obtain data on land use,
vegetation, topography, etc.
Data is typically in raster format and can be analyzed within GIS.
5. Global Positioning System (GPS)
Field data collection using GPS devices to capture coordinates and attributes.
Data collected is imported into GIS for mapping and analysis.
6. Field Surveys
Collecting data manually in the field using traditional methods (e.g., measuring
distances, elevations).
Data is later entered into GIS, often as attribute data linked to spatial features.
7. Mobile GIS and Data Collection Apps
Using apps (e.g., ArcGIS Field Maps, QField, Survey123) for real-time data
collection with mobile devices.
Combines GPS, forms, and photos directly into GIS databases.
8. Crowdsourcing and Online Sources
Data contributed by users through platforms like OpenStreetMap (OSM).
Web-based data sources and APIs can feed data directly into GIS systems.
9. CAD Data Import
Importing engineering or architectural drawings (e.g., AutoCAD DWG/DXF files).
Useful in urban planning and infrastructure projects.
10. Sensor and IoT Data
Real-time data from sensors, such as weather stations, traffic counters, or
environmental monitors.
Often integrated into GIS for monitoring and analysis.
 1. Data Editing in GIS
Data editing in GIS involves modifying spatial or attribute data to correct errors,
update features, or improve data accuracy.
Types of Data Editing:
Spatial Editing:
Add, delete, or move features (points, lines, polygons)
Split or merge features
Adjust shapes using vertices and nodes
Attribute Editing:
Update or correct data in attribute tables
Add new attribute fields
Join or relate tables
Topological Editing:
Ensure spatial relationships like connectivity, adjacency, or containment are
maintained (e.g., roads must connect, polygons must not overlap)
Tools Used:
Snapping tools (to ensure features connect)
Auto-complete tools (for drawing adjacent polygons)
Editing toolbars (in software like ArcGIS, QGIS)

2. Spatial Data Models in GIS

A spatial data model defines how spatial features are represented digitally.
Main Types:
A. Vector Data Model
Represents real-world features as:
Points (e.g., wells, trees)
Lines (e.g., roads, rivers)
Polygons (e.g., lakes, land parcels)
Best for discrete features with defined boundaries
Common formats: Shapefile, GeoJSON, KML
B. Raster Data Model
Represents features as a grid of cells (pixels), where each cell has a value (e.g.,
elevation, temperature, land cover)
Best for continuous data
Common formats: GeoTIFF, IMG, JPEG2000
C. TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network)
Represents surfaces (like terrain) using connected triangles
Efficient for modeling elevation and slope
 3. Spatial Data Structures in GIS
Spatial data structures refer to how spatial data is organized and stored for
efficient processing and analysis.
Vector Data Structures:
a. Spaghetti Model
Simple, unstructured lines and polygons
No topological relationships
Easy to create but limited for analysis
b. Topological Model
Stores relationships between spatial features (e.g., which polygons share
borders)
Supports network and adjacency analysis
Examples: Arc-node structure, Polygon-arc topology
Raster Data Structures:
a. Cell-Based Structure
Each grid cell stores a single value
Can be stored as:
Full matrix: Stores value for every cell
Run-length encoding: Compresses consecutive cells with the same value
Quadtrees: Recursive division of space into quadrants for compression and
efficiency

Component Description

Data Editing Modifying spatial or attribute data to ensure accuracy

Spatial Data Models Vector (discrete), Raster (continuous), TIN (terrain modeling)

Spatial Data Structures Spaghetti (non-topological), Topological (structured), Cell-based (raster)

 1. Attribute Data Management in GIS
Attribute data refers to the non-spatial information linked to spatial features
(points, lines, polygons) in a GIS. Managing this data effectively is essential for
analysis and decision-making.
🔹 Components of Attribute Data:
Stored in attribute tables
Organized in rows (records/features) and columns (fields/attributes)
Each spatial feature (like a road or parcel) has a unique ID and related data (e.g.,
name, type, population)

🔹 Common Operations:
Operation Description

Add/Edit Fields Create new columns for data (e.g., area, owner name)

Join/Relate Tables Link spatial features to external tables based on a common key (e.g., Parcel ID)

Field Calculation Derive new data fields using expressions or formulas

Query/Filter Select records based on attribute values (e.g., land use = “residential”)

Data Validation Check for missing, inconsistent, or incorrect data

2. Integrating Data (Map Overlay) in GIS

Map overlay is the process of integrating multiple spatial datasets (layers) to
discover relationships or produce new information.
🔹 Types of Overlay Operations:
Overlay Type Description

Intersect Combines features that overlap in both layers

Union Combines all features and attributes from both layers

Clip Cuts one layer using the boundary of another

Erase Removes features from one layer that overlap another

Identity Adds attributes from an input layer to an overlapping feature

Topic Description

Attribute Data Management Handling, querying, and updating non-spatial data linked to GIS features

Map Overlay (Integration) Combining multiple layers to produce new data for spatial analysis
 Application of RS and GIS in Land Resource Management
Remote Sensing and GIS play a critical role in planning, monitoring, and
managing land resources for sustainable development.

Applications:
Application Description

Land Use / Land Cover Mapping Mapping land types using satellite imagery for planning and zoning.

Land Degradation & Soil Erosion Monitoring Detecting eroded and degraded areas to plan conservation .

Land Suitability Analysis Evaluating terrain, soil, and climate data for optimal land use .

Urban Expansion and Encroachment Monitoring Analyzing urban growth and its impact on agricultural/forest land.

Deforestation and Vegetation Monitoring Tracking forest loss, afforestation efforts, and vegetation health.

Soil Mapping and Classification Mapping soil types, fertility, salinity, and texture for agriculture .

Application of RS and GIS in Water Resource Management

GIS and RS are essential for conserving, distributing, and protecting water
resources, especially in areas prone to droughts, floods, or pollution.

Application Description

Watershed Management Analysis of watersheds to plan water conservation structures (check dams etc.

Surface Water Monitoring Mapping lakes, rivers, and seasonal changes using multispectral satellite img.

Groundwater Potential Mapping Integrating geology, slope, land, and rain data to identify potential groundwater zones.

Flood Mapping and Risk Zoning Real-time flood extent mapping, floodplain zoning, and modeling flood-prone areas.

Drought Assessment Monitoring vegetation health, rain, and soil moisture to identify drought-affected areas

Water Quality Monitoring Remote sensing of turbidity, chlorophyll, and pollution levels in surface water bodies.

Irrigation Management Mapping irrigated areas, crop water requirements, and monitoring irrigation systems.
Resource Type Application Area RS & GIS Use

Land Resources LULC mapping, deforestation, soil/erosion analysis Satellite imagery, spatial modeling

Land suitability, urban planning Thematic layers, GIS overlay

Water Resources Watershed analysis, surface water monitoring DEMs, time-series satellite data

Groundwater potential, flood/drought mapping Spatial modeling, remote sensing indices

Real-World Example:
India’s Bhuvan Portal: Uses RS and GIS to monitor land and water resources at
a national scale.
Watershed Development Projects: Use RS for baseline mapping and GIS for
planning check dams and contour bunds.