What is GIS (Geographical Information System)
GIS (Geographical Information System)
Geographical Information System (GIS) is an
integrated tool, capable of mapping, analyzing, manipulating and storing
geo-spatial data in order to provide solutions to real world problems (For
example: logistics, emergency
evacuation, and tax assessment, real estate analysis etc.) and help in
planning for the future.
Importance of GIS
GIS is a computer-based tool that allows you
to integrate different kinds of geographic information such as satellite images, aerial photographs, digital maps, and global positioning system data
(GPS), along with associated tabular database information.
GIS not only helps
you to examine and analyze geographic information at different levels of
detail; but also allows the user to perform statistical analysis or spatial analysis. Predictions for the future can also be done using GIS models in the
areas of land-use change, urban sprawl, habitat loss, and to predict seismic activity precisely.
Components of GIS
Fig. Diagrammatic View of GIS Components
Hardware : Hardware allows the user to
capture, store, process and visualize the geographic information. It consists of
technical equipment such as computer/s with good configuration to run the GIS software; enough hard disk space to run the software smoothly; along with input
and output devices like digitizers, scanners, printers and plotters etc.
Software:
The
GIS software allows you to data input, storage, transformation, analysis and
providing desired outputs in the form of maps and reports. The GIS software being used today belong to either of the category –proprietary or open source.
Proprietary
GIS software are ArcGIS, MapInfo, Microstation, Geomedia etc. However, opensource (freely available) GIS software include QGIS, gVSIG, SAGA GIS, GRASSGIS, MapWindow, ILWIS, Open Jump etc.
Data: It is the most
important component of the GIS. The data can be captured or collected from
various sources For example: maps, field observations, photography, satellite imagery etc.
GIS data is stored as spatial (geographic data) and non-spatial(tabular) data. Data must be collected from a reliable source
and should be accurate record of reality. Geo-Spatial data must be accessible to all users;
as data availability is the big concern in most developing countries.
Methods: These include various
procedures by which data can be edited, accessed, managed stored, and analyzed to
achieve the required output for the particular application and analysis such as change detection analysis.
People: GIS
people are the technical persons, who can manage the data, develop procedures,
process and analyze geo-spatial data for applying it to real-world problems. Hence,
GIS people includes technical specialists, GIS managers, database
administrators, programmers, scientists and planners etc.
These above are important components and parts of GIS system. All components are key part of the GIS process. If any single left then it is really difficult to move further. Therefore it is suggested to have complete GIS system including all components to create and analyze geo-spatial data.
Excellent....
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteImpressive! I finally found great post here. Nice article on data science . It's really a nice experience to read your post. Thanks for sharing your innovative ideas to our vision.
ReplyDeleteData Science Training in Hyderabad
Data Science course in Hyderabad
Data Science coaching in Hyderabad
Data Science Training institute in Hyderabad
Data Science institute in Hyderabad
Your article contains very much information . Your article is very informative and useful to know . Thank you so much for sharing this article here. Equipment Downtime Analysis
ReplyDelete