Report Title

GIS (Geographic Information System)

Name: Daneal Nawzad Sofi

Class: First
Course: General-English
Department: Geomatics

College of Engineering
Salahaddin University-Erbil
Academic Year 2019-2020

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 ABSTRACT

This report is an overview of my experience about an engineering topic is a GIS

(Geographic Information System), answer a some question what is a GIS? Why is

important? And talking about use arc (GIS), and some programs.

Geographic representation has become more complex through time as researchers

have added new concepts, leading to apparently endless proliferation and creating

a need for simplification. We show that many of these concepts can be derived

from a single foundation that we term the atomic form of geographic information.

The familiar concepts of continuous fields and discrete objects can be derived

under suitable rules applied to the properties and values of the atomic form. Fields

and objects are further integrated through the concept of phase space, and in the

form of field objects.

Geographic dynamics are synthesized in a three‐dimensional space defined by

static or dynamic object shape, the possibility of movement, and the possibility of

dynamic internal structure. The atomic form also provides a tentative argument

that discrete objects and continuous fields are the only possible bases for

geographic representation

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract 2

Table of Contents 3

Introduction 4

Background & Review 6

Methods 9

Theory /Design 12

Conclusion…………………………………………………………...……………17

Reference……………………………………………………..……..…………….18

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 INTRODUCTION

A geographic information system (GIS) is a system designed to capture, store,

manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographical data. The key

word to this technology is Geography – this means that some portion of the data is

spatial. In other words data that is in some way referenced to locations on the earth.

Coupled with this data is usually tabular data known as attribute data. Attribute

data can be generally defined as additional information about each of the spatial

features. An example of this would be schools. The actual location of the schools is

the spatial data. Additional data such as the school name, level of education taught,

student capacity would make up the attribute data.

It is the partnership of these two data types that enables GIS to be such an effective

problem solving tool through spatial analysis.

GIS is more than just software. People and methods are combined with geospatial

software and tools, to enable spatial analysis, manage large datasets, and display

information in a map/graphical form.

Geographic information systems are utilized in multiple technologies, processes,

techniques and methods. It is attached to various operations and numerous

applications, that relate to: engineering, planning, management, transport/logistics,

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insurance, telecommunications, and business.[2] For this reason, GIS and location

intelligence applications are at the foundation of location-enabled services, that

rely on geographic analysis and visualization.

GIS provides the capability to relate previously unrelated information, through the

use of location as the "key index variable". Locations and extents that are found in

the Earth's space-time, are able to be recorded through the date and time of

occurrence, along with x, y, and z coordinates; representing, longitude (x), latitude

(y), and elevation (z). All Earth-based, spatial–temporal, location and extent

references, should be relatable to one another, and ultimately, to a "real" physical

location or extent. This key characteristic of GIS has begun to open new avenues

of scientific inquiry and studies.

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 BACKGROUND & REVIEW

A GIS (geographic or geospatial information system) is a modern extension of

traditional cartography with one fundamental similarity and two essential

differences. The similarity lies in the fact that both a cartographic document and a

GIS contain examples of a base map to which additional data can be added. The

differences are that there is no limit to the amount of additional data that can be

added to a GIS map and secondly the GIS use analysis and statistics to present data

in support of particular arguments which a cartographic map cannot do.

Cartographic maps are often extremely simplified as there are limits to the amount

of data that can be phis there have been four distinct phases in the development of

Geographic Information Systems. Phase one, between the early 1960s and the,

mid, 1970s saw a new discipline being dominated by a few key individuals who

were to shape the direction of future research and development. The second phase,

from the mod 1970s to early 1980s saw the adoption of technologies by national

agencies that led to a focus on the development of best practice. Phase three,

between 1982 until the late 1980s saw the development and exploitation of the

commercial market place surrounding GIS whilst the final phase since the late

1980s has seen a focus on ways of improving the usability of technology by

making facilities more users centric. ically and meaningfully stored on a small

map.

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  First GIS

By the 1960s the nuclear arms program had given rise

to hardware and mapping applications and the first

operational GIS had been launched in Ottawa, Canada.

This early iteration of GIS was developed to store,

collate, and analyze data about land usage in Canada.

The system was enhanced throughout the seventies and

eighties until the mid-nineties by which time it was Figure1: First GIS

driven by mainframe hardware and contained data sets from the entire Canadian

land mass.

 Beginnings of Spatial Analysis

The first documented application of what could be

classed as a GIS was in France in 1832. French

Geographer, Charles Piquet created a map based

representation of cholera epidemiology in Paris by

representing the 48 districts of Paris with different

halftone color gradients, an early version of a

Figure2: Beginnings of Spatial
heat map. Analysis

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The map, published in the report, Rapport sure la Marche et les effects du choléra-

morbus dans Paris, is likely the first use of spatial analysis in epidemiology. 1832

SHADED MAP SHOWING CHOLERA DEATHS PER THOUSAND

INHABITANTS FOR EACH OF THE 48 DISTRICTS IN PARIS BY CHARLES

PICQUET.

A similar situation led to John Snow depicting cholera deaths in London using

points on a map in 1854. The Snow map was important because it was not just a

presentation of data. An attempt was made to present an argument developed from

a spatial analysis of data displayed on the map and it is oft cited as one of the

earliest examining of geographic inquiry in epidemiology. The next significant step

in the development of modern geographic information systems was in the early

20th century. A printing technique known as photzincography was used to separate

out layers from a map. Vegetation, Water and developed land could all be printed

as separate themes. Whilst giving the appearance of being a GIS this does not

represent a full GIS as there is no opportunity to provide an analysis of the mapped

data.

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 METHODS

Having some competence in programming has become a critical requirement for

many geospatial positions. The majority of GIS analyst level positions require

some expertise in programming and application development.

1. ArcGIS

Figure3: map Cambridge 1960 create by ArcGIS

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ArcGIS is a geographical information system (GIS) software that allows handling

and analyzing geographic information by visualizing geographical statistics

through layer building maps like climate data or trade flows. It’s used by a whole

host of academic institutions and departments, both in the humanities and sciences,

to develop and illustrate groundbreaking research. Further, it is used by several

governments and private/commercial institutions worldwide.

The system has the capacity to create geographical information accessible

throughout a company, institution, privately or publicly on the internet. Therefore,

the software essentially works as a platform whereby geographical information can

be linked, shared and analyzed. Like many GIS software, ArcGIS creates maps that

require categories organized as layers. Each layer is registered spatially so that

when they’re overlaid one on top of another, the program lines them up properly to

create a complex data map. The base layer is almost always a geographical map,

pulled out of a range of sources depending upon the visualization needed (satellite,

road map, etc.). This program has a lot of them available to users and also contains

live feed layers including traffic details.

The first three layers are called feature or vector layers, each containing individual

functions distinguished through the platform. These are:

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a) Points (like landmarks, buildings).

b)

Lines (like roads and other 1D schemata).

c) Polygons (like political information and geographical census, called 2D

data).

d) Raster images (a base vector layer like an aerial picture.

2. Quantum GIS

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 Figure4: Quantum GIS 1.8.0 Lisboa –OSM-denhaag.

Is jam-packed with hidden gems at your fingertips. For example, you can automate

map production, process geospatial data, and generate drool-worthy cartographic

figures .There’s no other free mapping software on this list that lets you map like a

rock star than QGIS.QGIS Plugins boost this mapping software into a state of

epicenes. If the tool doesn’t exist, search for a plugin developed by the QGIS

community. Volunteer effort is key to its success. The QGIS Stack Exchange

support is impressively great. If you’re still searching for free GIS software, you’d

be insane not to download the free GIS software QGIS. Here’s your beginner’s

guide to QGIS to get your feet wet. In February 2018, QGIS 3 brings a whole new

set of cartography, 3D and analysis tools.

THEORY /DESIGN

A mixed methods approach was undertaken in the study including the use of

geographic information systems (GIS). For the quantitative component, data was

gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year

estimates at the census tract level. Arc Map, commercial GIS software, was used to

create thematic digital renderings of the target spatial area according to the

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collected variables. Summarized below are some of the more common and

basic uses of GIS:

1) Mapping Data: Mapping is a central function of Geographic Information

System, which provides a visual interpretation of data. GIS store data in

database and then represent it visually in a mapped format. People from

different professions use map to communicate. It is not necessary to be a

skilled cartographer to create maps. Google map, Bing map, Yahoo map are

the best example for web based GIS mapping solution.

2) 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. It is used by many commercial organizations to

identify sites suitable for business outlets. The technique will consider

different factors such as social and economic demographics and the

presence of competitor outlets. For an accurate proximity analysis the

various themes to be used must all use the same referencing system

otherwise accuracy may suffer.

3) Find Clusters: Using multiple algorithms it is possible to select a group of

unrelated points on a theme that match a set of criteria. A cluster could

include members where distance between them is less than a specific

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 amount or areas where there is density of points greater than a specific

level. Typically a GIS will require multiple levels of iteration before the

correct algorithms are identified.

4) Location Analysis: The technique best used to identify a location for a new

retail outlet. The technique has been developed from theoretical methods

used to explain observed conditions to an algorithm for identifying optimal

locations. The algorithms used tend to focus on either maximal, minimal or

median members of a given dataset.

Figure5: Drone Mapping Figure6: Mapping Data & Analyzing

How GIS Is Changing the World?

 Architecture GIS

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 Figure7: Architecture Lab General Ideas about Architecture

a) .

Line of Sight – Planning high-rise buildings so they don’t obstruct the view

of the mountains in Portland using line of sight.

b) Development Planning – Making citizens happy through smart

development planning and understanding the bigger picture.

c) Exposure to Noise – Orchestrating urban mobility plans with special

consideration for the impact environmental noise using OrbisGIS.

d) City Engine – Assessing feasibility and plan implementation using Esri’s

City Engine improving urban planning, architecture, and overall design.

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  Agriculture GIS

Figure8: GIS tech systems private for Agriculture

a) Precision Farming – Harvesting more bushels per acre while spending less

on fertilizer using precision farming and software.

b) Disease Control – Combating the spread of pests through by identifying

critical intervention areas and efficient targeting control interventions.

c) 3D Scanners for Biomass – Measuring with laser accuracy 3D biomass

using the FARO scanner.

d) Crop Productivity – Calibrating crop productivity using indices like

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to estimate global crop

productivity. (Satellite Image Corporation Agro Watch Green Vegetation

Index).

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  Telecom and Network services

GIS can be a great planning and decision

making tool for telecom industries. GDi

GISDATA enables wireless telecommunication

organizations to incorporate geographic data in

to the complex network design, planning,

Figure9: Telecom and Network
optimization, maintenance and activities. This services

Technology allows telecom to enhance a variety of application like engineering

application, customer relationship management and location based services.

 Navigation (routing and scheduling)

Web-based navigation maps encourage safe navigation

in waterway. ArcGIS supports safe navigation system

and provides accurate topographic and hydrographic

data. Recently DNR, s Coastal Resources Division

began the task of locating, documenting, and cataloging Figure10: Navigation

these no historic wrecks with GIS. This division is providing public information

that makes citizens awareness of these vessel locations through web map. The web

map will be regularly updated to keep the boating public informed of these coastal

hazards to minimize risk of collision and injury.

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 CONCLOUSION

The ability to integrate and analyze data organized in multiple thematic layers is a

hallmark of geographic information systems. To contribute to GIS analyses like

these, you need to be both a knowledgeable and skillful GIS user. The objective of

this text, and the associated Penn State course, has been to help you become more

knowledgeable about geographic data. Knowledgeable users are well versed in the

properties of geographic data that need to be taken into account to make data

integration possible. Knowledgeable users understand the distinction between

vector and raster data, and know something about how features, topological

relationships among features, attributes, and time can be represented within the two

approaches. Knowledgeable users understand that in order for geographic data to

be organized and analyzed as layers, the data must be both orthorectified and

georegistered. Knowledgeable users look out for differences in coordinate systems,

map projections, and datums that can confound efforts to georegister data layers.

Knowledgeable users know that the information needed to register data layers is

found in metadata. Knowledgeable users understand that all geographic data are

generalized, and that the level of detail preserved depends upon the scale and

resolution at which the data were originally produced. Knowledgeable users are

prepared to convince their bosses that small-scale, low resolution data should not

be used for large-scale analyses that require high resolution results.

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 REFERENCE

1. https://researchguides.library.wisc.edu/GIS

2. https://www.gislounge.com/history-of-gis/

3. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2016/webprogram/Paper26050.html

4. https://www.gislounge.com/learning-programming-for-gis/

5. https://www.geospatialworld.net/blogs/what-is-arcgis/

6. https://grindgis.com/blog/gis-applications-uses

7. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/visuals/power-bi-visualization-

arcgis

8. https://gisgeography.com/free-gis-software/

9. https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/c9_p15.html

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