APPLIED

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
SYSTEMS
(GIS)
 What is GIS?

• Geography has always been important to humans.

• Applied geography, in the form of maps and spatial information, has served
discovery, planning, cooperation, and conflict for at least the past 3000 years.
• Most often our geographic knowledge is applied to routine tasks, such as puzzling
a route in an unfamiliar town or searching for the nearest diner. Spatial
information has a greater impact on our lives than we realize by helping us
produce the food we eat, the energy we burn, the clothes we wear, and the
diversions we enjoy.
 What is GIS

• Because spatial information is so important, we have developed tools called

geographic information systems (GIS) to aid us with geographic knowledge.
• A GIS helps us gather and use spatial data (we will use the abbreviation GIS to refer
to both singular, system, and plural, systems).
• Some GIS components are purely technological; these include space-age data
collectors, advanced communications networks, and sophisticated computing.
• Other GIS components are very simple, for example, a pencil and paper used to field-
verify a map.
 What is GIS?

• A GIS is a tool for making and using spatial information.

• A GIS is a computer-based system to aid in the collection, maintenance,
storage, analysis, output, and distribution of spatial data and information.
• When used wisely, GIS can help us live healthier, wealthier, and safer lives.
• In many instances GIS is the only way to solve spatially-related problems.
 GIS

• GIS and spatial analyses are concerned with the quantitative location of
important features, as well as properties and attributes of those features.
Mount Everest is in Asia, Timbuktu is in Mali, and the cruise ship Titanic is at
the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
• A GIS quantifies these locations by recording their coordinates, numbers that
describe the position of these features on Earth. The GIS may also be used to
record the height of Mount Everest, the population of Pierre, or the depth of
the Titanic, as well as any other defining characteristics of each spatial feature.
 GIS: A Ubiquitous Tool

• GIS are essential tools in business, government, education, and nonprofit

organizations, and GIS use has become mandatory in many settings. GIS have
been used to fight crime, protect endangered species, reduce pollution, cope
with natural disasters, treat epidemics, and improve public health; in short,
GIS have been instrumental in addressing some of our most pressing societal
problems.
 Why Do We Need GIS?

• GIS help us identify and address environmental problems by providing

crucial information on where problems occur and who are affected by them.
GIS help us identify the source, location, and extent of adverse environmental
impacts, and may help us devise practical plans for monitoring, managing,
and mitigating environmental damage.
• Human impacts on the environment have spurred a strong societal push for
the adoption of GIS.
 What is GIS?

• A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing things
that exist and events that happen on Earth.
• GIS technology integrates common database operations such as query and statistical analysis with the
unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps. These abilities distinguish GIS
from other information systems and make it valuable to a wide range of public and private enterprises
for explaining events, predicting outcomes, and planning strategies.
• Map making and geographic analysis are not new, but a GIS performs these tasks better and faster
than do the old manual methods.
• And, before GIS technology, only a few people had the skills necessary to use geographic information
to help with decision making and problem solving
 Components of a GIS
A working GIS integrates five key components: hardware, software, data, people,
and methods
• Hardware
• Software
• Data
• People
• Methods
• Hardware
• Hardware is the computer on which a GIS operates. Today, GIS software runs on a wide range of hardware types,
from centralized computer servers to desktop computers used in stand-alone or networked configurations.

• Software
Software provides the functions and tools needed to store, analyze, and display geographic information. Key software
components are: ·
• Tools for the input and manipulation of geographic information ·
• A database management system (DBMS) ·
• Tools that support geographic query, analysis, and visualization.
• A graphical user interface (GUI) for easy access to tools
• Data
• Possibly the most important component of a GIS is the data. Geographic data and related tabular data can be collected in-
house or purchased from a commercial data provider. A GIS will integrate spatial data with other data resources and can
even use a DBMS, used by most organizations to organize and maintain their data, to manage spatial data.

• People
• GIS technology is of limited value without the people who manage the system and develop plans for applying it to real
world problems. GIS users range from technical specialists who design and maintain the system to those who use it to
help them perform their everyday work.

• Methods
• A successful GIS operates according to a well-designed plan and business rules, which are the models and operating
practices unique to each organization.
 Functions of GIS

• GIS comprises many functions and these functions can be used in variety of
applications. The GIS functions facilitate some basic reply those are below.
• The GIS process provides location based information, which helps to locate the
particular location of objects. The location can be defined by longitude and latitude or
X/Y and this also can have attribute information such as place name etc.
• The GIS functions also support to find the locations under certain conditions such as
industries within 5 km from the sewerage treat plant.
• These functions also help to assess the changes on specific location over the time.
• It also supports to analyze the spatial relationship among objects with their geographic
locations.
• The functions also provide model based queries, such as optimum path, suitable
land for industry development etc.
Functions of GIS
1

7
 Functions of GIS

1) Data Collection and Capture

• Remote sensing images, existing maps, tabular data, ground survey,
internet etc. are used to collect data as input data to GIS process. These
input sources can be used to create digital data through digitization
process using GIS software and computer.
2) Data Storage and Management
• Database created through GIS can be stored in to different media such as
hard disk, DVD, USB drive, online drive and also on cloud. Spatial
database can be updated regularly by acquiring time to time new input
sources.
• This is most advantageous function as all the data in digital form, therefore
to update data is very easy and reduce the data redundancy.
 Functions of GIS

3) Data Integration
• GIS makes it possible to link or integrate information collected from
different sources. Thus, GIS can be used in combinations to map variables
to create and analyze new variables and factors.
• For example, GIS technology, it is possible to combine agricultural records
with hydrological data to determine water depth and its physical and chemical
quality parameters. This help to understand the water demand and impact of water
quality on crop yield.

4) Data Conversion
• It is very important function as it facilitates to analyze data, which are
collected from different sources in better way. Such as Jpeg file can be
converted into tiff format, conversion of projection to have all data in
same projection system through georeferencing.
 Functions of GIS
5) Data Analysis
• Data can be analyzed by applying appropriate mathematical or statistical algorithms on
data to generate new information/maps. It is completely depends on users requirement
for example buffer analysis, proximity analysis and interpolation process to
create Digital Evaluation Model (DEM) etc.
6) Data Modeling
• The GIS functions allow many simulation models on data to create some useful
information for planning such as runoff modeling, urban growth prediction. It also
provides tools to create 2D and 3D models of earth surface to assess the feature in better
way. For modeling in GIS, many mathematical and statistical methods can be used.
7) Display/ Visualization
• It is the function of presenting results in variety of ways such as digital maps, printed
maps, tables and graphs. It is completely depends upon the user’s requirement to display
data in different formats.
 Basic Uses of GIS

A GIS (geographic or geospatial information system) allows you to record a

base map with a geospatial referencing system such as longitude or latitude and
then to add additional layers of other information.
The GIS then allows the individual layers, or themes as they are called to be
linked. Analysis of the information can then be undertaken using the statistical
and analytical tools that are provided as part of the GIS. By providing spatial
analysis of suitably coded data it is possible to provide striking, visual
representations of data. These representations can often reveal patterns and
trends that might otherwise have gone unnoticed without the use of GIS
techniques.
 Basic Uses of GIS

1) Mapping Data
2) Proximity Analysis
3) Buffering
4) Find Clusters
5) Find Nearest
6) Location Analysis
 Basic Uses of GIS

1) Mapping Data
• The central function of a geographic
information system is to provide a visual
representation of data. It is estimated that 80%
of the data we consider has a geospatial element
of some form. GIS provides a means for that
data to be stored in a database and then
represented visually in a mapped format.
Simply understanding where things are is a
first step in understanding spatial patterns and
relationships.
• In the example on the right side, simply
mapping out the geographic features helps the
viewer to understand where the wells are
around a lake.
 Basic Uses of GIS

2) Proximity Analysis
A proximity analysis is an analytical technique that is used to
define the relationship between a specific location and other
locations or points that are linked in some way.
• Proximity analysis can be used to answer several types of
questions that include:
• How far is it between point a and point b? The simplest type
of proximity analysis calculates distances between two
vector points.
• What is the closest point in terms of time or cost taken to
reach that point?
• What is the straight line distance between a single point and
other selected points in that layer?
• How far are the points or edges of the nearest polygon?
 Basic Uses of GIS

3) Buffering
A technique called buffering is commonly used with
proximity analysis to indicate the sphere of influence
of a given point. Buffering is useful for creating a
zone around a given geographic feature for further
analysis using the overlay method.

• For example, a 1000′ buffer could be generated around a

school to then use overlay analysis to find out how
many libraries are within 1000′ of that school.
(fahim Riyaz, Farhhan, Shariq)
 Basic Uses of GIS
4) Find Clusters
A cluster could include members where distance between them is less than a
specific amount or areas where there is density of points greater than a specific
level.
• Typical clustering models include:
• Connectivity models – the simplest that depend upon simple distance based
relationships
• Centroid models – where inclusion in a cluster is determined by identifying the mean
value of the cluster that is most appropriate to the point being considered
• Distribution models – where inclusion is determined by the application of a statistical
distribution theory such as the normal probability
• Density models – using techniques specially identified for GIS work that link areas
with specific densities of an event or population such as racial profiles in a given area
• Subspace models – this technique allows the element to be included into a cluster by
considering specific attributes of that element
 Basic Uses of GIS

4) Find Nearest
A technique that can be used to measure the distances between a point and the
edge of a specific element that has been defined as a polygon using vector
points.
 Basic Uses of GIS

5) Location Analysis
The technique best used to identify a location for a new retail outlet. A basic
analysis that allows a given area from one later to be overlaid onto data from
other themes.
• A good example would be – what type of soil do we find in the school grounds or what
type of industrial uses has this area been put to in the past 50 years.

There are two methods of performing this type of analysis:

• Feature overlay – a simple technique to drop single or multiple points into an area
• Raster overlay – best used when characteristics of multiple themes are required to be
examined because each area is referenced and combined on a grid basis
 Use cases of GIS

1. Mapping 11. Natural Resources Management

2. Telecom and Network Services 12. Banking
3. Accident Analysis and Hot Spot 13. Taxation
Analysis 14. Surveying
4. Urban planning 15. Geology
5. Transportation Planning 16. Assets Management and
6. Environmental Impact Analysis Maintenance
7. Agricultural Applications 17. Planning and Community
8. Disaster Management and Development
Mitigation 18. Dairy Industry
9. Navigation 19. Irrigation Water Management
10.Flood damage estimation 20. Pest Control and Management
 GIS Vendors
• GIS software is used for mapping, geocoding, routing, modeling, reporting,
analyzing, and data management.
• End-users across industries rely on GIS to enhance their productivity, decision-
making ability, and safety and security standards
• Important GIS vendors
• ESRI
• ArcGIS
• MAPINFO
• GEOMEDIA
• QGIS (Open source)
• Mapbox
• CartoDB
 QGIS
• QGIS is a free and open-source cross-platform desktop
geographic information system (GIS) application that supports viewing, editing,
printing, and analysis of geospatial data
• Gary Sherman began development of Quantum GIS in early 2002, and it became an
incubator project of the Open Source Geospatial Foundation in 2007. Version 1.0 was
released in January 2009.
• In 2013, along with release of version 2.0 the name was officially changed
from Quantum GIS to QGIS to avoid confusion as both names had been used in
parallel.
• QGIS is maintained by volunteer developers who regularly release updates and bug
fixes. As of 2012, developers have translated QGIS into 48 languages and the
application is used internationally in academic and professional environments.
• As a free software application, QGIS can be freely modified to perform different or
more specialized tasks. Latest version is 3.28 released on 21.10.22
 Data Sources

• Global Land Cover Facility (GLCF) - Vector Data

• Google Earth
• Bing Maps
• Bhuvan for Raster Data
 Data Acquisition

• Topographic
• Cartographic
• Remotely sensed
• Census
• Other records and surveys
 Data Input

• Scanning
• Registration
• Digitizing
• Editing
 GIS Data
• Spatial data, also known as geospatial data, is a term used to describe any
data related to or containing information about a specific location on the
Earth’s surface.
• Spatial data can exist in a variety of formats and contains more than just
location specific information.
• Vector data is best described as graphical representations of the real world.
There are three main types of vector data: points, lines, and polygons. Vectors
are best used to present generalizations of objects or features on the Earth’s
surface. Vector data and the file format known as shapefiles (.shp) are
sometimes used interchangeably since vector data is most often stored in .shp
files.
• Raster data is data that is presented in a grid of pixels. Rasters typically refer
to imagery. Raster data quality varies depending on resolution and your task
at hand.
Attributes
• Spatial data contains more information than just a location on the surface of the
Earth. Any additional information, or non-spatial data, that describes a feature is
referred to as an attribute. Spatial data can have any amount of additional
attributes accompanying information about the location.
Geographic Coordinate System
• To identify exact locations on the surface of the Earth, a geographic
coordinate system is used. Normally, an x and y-axis are used in mathematical
systems, but in geography, the axes are referred to as lines of latitude (horizontal
lines that run east-west) and longitude (vertical lines that run north-south). Each
axis represents the angle at which that line is oriented with respect to the center of
the Earth, and so the units are measured in degrees (°)
Georeferencing and Geocoding
• Georeferencing is the process of assigning coordinates to vectors or rasters so
they can be oriented accurately on a model of the Earth’s surface.
• The data used in geocoding are addresses and location descriptors (city,
country, etc.).
Difference between Attribute and Spatial Data