GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM

AND
REMOTE SENSING

CHAPTER FIVE

INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC
INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)

Prepared By: Yisak Mohammed

2013/14
 Definition
Various definitions have been offered by different scholars.
 GIS is a computerized system that is used to capture, store,
retrieve, analyze, and display spatial data (Clarke 1995).
 GIS is an information system that is designed to work with
data referenced by spatial or geographical coordinates (Star
and Estes 1990).
 GIS manipulates data about points, lines, and areas to
retrieve data for queries and analyses (Duecker 1987).
Cont……….
 GIS consists of five basic elements data: hardware,
software, procedure and people (Dangermond 1988).
 GIS comprises four basic elements which operate in an
institutional context : hardware, software, data and live ware
(Maguire 1991).
 GIS is an institutional entity, reflecting an organizational
structure that integrates technology with a database,
expertise and continuing financial support over time (Carter
1989).
Cont……..

 In a nutshell, GIS is defined as a system of computer,

software and procedures designed to support the capture,
management, analysis, manipulation, and display of
spatially referenced data (georeferenced data) for solving
complex planning and management problems.
Cont……….
 Alternative terms associated with GIS include:
 Automated mapping and facilities management (AM/FM)

 Computer-aided drafting/design (CAD)

 Computer-assisted/ aided mapping (CAM)

 Spatial database-management systems (DBMS)

 Land information system (LIS)

 Multipurpose cadastre
Cont………
 The development of GIS has relied on innovations made
in many disciplines.
 GIS cartographic concepts originated with the maps
created by early explorers.

What distinguish GIS from other computer based system ?

GIS uses geo-referenced information.

provides a more comprehensive environment for data

integration and analysis.
GIS has served an integrating technology.
 Why uses GIS ?
 GIS provides an integrating data and modeling environment
for the conduct of different activities.
 GIS provides a means to collect and archive data on the
environment.

In general the major reasons that make the rational uses of

GIS would be:
 GIS uses the analytical power of the computer to complete

complex tasks.
 GIS uses the computer's storage power to manage large
data sets.
Cont……
 GIS allows the integration of many different types of

data from many different sources.

 GIS registers a variety of different data to the same
coordinate space.
 Digital data are stable, easily updated and reproduced.

 GIS allows the creation and use of "one-time" maps

 GIS allows individual users to tailor their map.

 GIS eliminates some user bias or errors.

 GIS brings new tools for thinking differently.

 Cont……….
Questions a GIS can answer ?
1. Location: What is at a given location?

2. Condition: Where does something occur?

3. Trends: What has changed since...?

4. Patterns: What spatial patterns exist?

5. Modeling: What if...?

 Components of a GIS
 A GIS can be divided into five components
I. People
II. Procedures
III. Hardware
IV. Software
V. Data

I. People
 The people are the component who actually makes the
GIS work.
 People associated with a GIS can be categorized into:
viewers, general users, and GIS specialists.
Cont………
Cont………
A. Viewers are the public at large whose only need is to
browse a geographic database for referential material.

B. General Users are people who use GIS to conducting

business, performing professional services, and making
decisions.

C. GIS specialists are the people who make the GIS work.
Cont……..
II. Procedures
 Procedures include how the data will be input into the
system, retrieved, stored, managed, transformed,
analyzed, and finally presented in a final output.

II. Hardware
 Hardware consists of the technical equipment needed to
run a GIS that includes computer system, input and
output devices.
Cont……
III. Software
 The software packages must be capable of data input,
storage, management, transformation, analysis, and
output.
IV. Data

 There are two major types of data: spatial data and non-
spatial data.
 Spatial data are characterized by information about location of
features, and their relationship with other feature.
 Non-spatial data is data that describes features.
Cont……..
 Several guidelines to look at before acquiring geographic
data include:

 Lineage – is a description of the source material from

which the data were derived, and the methods of
derivation

Positional Accuracy : is the closeness of an entity in an

appropriate coordinate system to that entity’s true
position in the system.
Cont…..
 Attribute Accuracy : an attribute is a fact about some

location, set of locations, or features on the surface of the

earth. The source of error usually lies within the collection

of these facts.

 Logical Consistency - Deals with the logical rules of

structure and attribute rules for spatial data and describes

the compatibility of a datum with other data in a data set.

Cont……….
 Completeness – This is a check to see if relevant data is

missing with regards to the features and the attributes.

There are different sources of data:

 Field survey data (GPS/total station/compass survey)

 Existing tabular data and map data

 Remote sensing data (aerial photographs and satellite

imagery)
 Application areas of a GIS
Most important application of GIS is:
 Effective management of natural resources
 Monitoring and planning in regional and global levels

A variety of data sets are needed as per application:

 Natural resources data

Demographic data

 Agro-economic data

Socioeconomic data

 Infrastructure data
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