Difference between revisions of "Geographical Information System"

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{{Definition|title=Geographical Information system (GIS)
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This article provides a description of [[Geographic Information System (GIS)]], what it is, what it does and how it is used in coastal management. There are links to the wider GIS community.
|definition=Geographical Information System (GIS) is a tool for analysis and presentation of spatial data. It is a collection of computer hardware, software and geographic data for capturing, managing, analysing and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.  
 
}}
 
  
 
==What is GIS?==
 
==What is GIS?==
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===Why is GIS unique?===
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GIS handles SPATIAL information - i.e. information referenced by its location in space
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GIS handles SPATIAL information - i.e. information referenced by its location in space.
 
[[Image:Spatialinfo.jpg|400px|center]]
 
[[Image:Spatialinfo.jpg|400px|center]]
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 +
 +
GIS technology can be utilised in all areas dealing with georeferenced information, including:
 +
*scientific research/investigations
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*resource and asset management
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*[[Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)]]
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*urban planning
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*cartography
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*and many other areas.
  
 
==GIS Data==
 
==GIS Data==
GIS stores ''geographic coordinate data'' (spatial data) and ''attribute data''. ''Spatial data'' represents features having known locations on earth. Can be one of points (0-Dimensions), lines (1-Dimensions) or areas (2-Dimensions), while ''attribute data'' is non-graphic information linked to the geographical features (spatial data) describing features eg type of road, name, history.  
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GIS stores ''geographic coordinate data'' (spatial data) and ''attribute data''. ''Spatial data'' represents features having known locations on earth. Can be one of points (0-Dimensional), lines (1-Dimensional) or areas (2-Dimensional), while ''attribute data'' is non-graphic information linked to the geographical features (spatial data) describing features eg type of road, name, history. Attribute data are stored in an attribute table that is connected to the spatial data.
  
  
 
===Data formats===
 
===Data formats===
Two basic formats for storing and processing coordinate data: Vector and Raster
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Discrete and continuous data can be represented, and two basic formats are used for storing and processing coordinate data: Vector and Raster.
  
 
'''Vector:'''
 
'''Vector:'''
*uses point locations (X,Y coordinate)
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Vector data type uses point locations (X,Y coordinate), or polyline/polygons, as representation. An advantage this has is that less storage space is used and can be easier to combine different vector layers, while a disadvantage is that it may be more difficult to perform certain overlay functions.
*''advantage'': less storage space
 
*disadvantage: may be more difficult to perform certain overlay functions
 
  
 
'''Raster:'''
 
'''Raster:'''
*data stored as a matrix of pixels, representing points.  
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Data is stored as a matrix of pixels. To analyse or overlay multiple data layers, the layers must share a common projection and coordinate system, and layers must have topology established. An advantage is that neighbourhood analysis can be performed easily, and a disadvantage is that it is necessary to store the entire matrix.
*to analyse or overlay multiple data layers, the layers must share a common projection and coordinate system, and layers must have topology established
 
*''advantage'': can perform neighbourhood analysis easily
 
*''disadvantage'': it is necessary to store the entire matrix
 
  
 
===Data types===
 
===Data types===
[[Image:Mike21data.jpg|thumb|right|Dfs1 Data MIKE 21]]
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*DFS2 Data MIKE 21
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Some types of data used in GIS are listed below:
*Dfs1 Data MIKE 21
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*Satellite images
*XYZ Data
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*Geographical maps
 
*Wave time series & Rose
 
*Wave time series & Rose
 
*Scanned Maps
 
*Scanned Maps
*CAD drawing
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*CAD drawing   [[Image:CADdrawing.jpg|thumb|right|CAD drawing]]
[[Image:CADdrawing.jpg|thumb|right|CAD drawing]]
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Additional data include:
'''Additional Data'''
 
 
*Land use
 
*Land use
 
*Sediment classification
 
*Sediment classification
*Satellite images
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*DFS2 Data [http://www.dhigroup.com/Software/Marine/MIKE21.aspx MIKE 21]
*Geographical maps
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*Dfs1 Data MIKE 21
 +
*XYZ Data
 
*Reports (design, licenses, Site investigation), etc.
 
*Reports (design, licenses, Site investigation), etc.
 +
[[Image:Mike21data.jpg|thumb|right|Dfs2 Data MIKE 21]]
  
 
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Map data is separated and stored in layers usually based on common geographical themes or data type. An alternative is objected-oriented GIS, where geographical and all other information regarding a feature stored as an object.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Map data is separated and stored in layers usually based on common geographical themes or data type. And alternative is objected-oriented GIS, where geographical and all other information regarding a feature stored as an object.
 
  
 
==GIS functions==
 
==GIS functions==
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===Data input===
 
===Data input===
Data input can by via:
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Data input can be via:
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*Import of raw data (ASCII)
 
*keyboard entry  
 
*keyboard entry  
 
*digitising maps
 
*digitising maps
*digital scanning (like a photocopy)
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*digital scanning
 +
 
  
 
===Storing data using Geodatabase===
 
===Storing data using Geodatabase===
 
[[Image:Geodatabase.jpg|400px|right]]
 
[[Image:Geodatabase.jpg|400px|right]]
Geodatabase is a container for spatial and non- spatial data that can be organized in a certain structure. It has the advantages of providing a single, consolidated data storage for field measurements and all types of data used, and the ability of controlling data entry by applying validation rule on the attributes.
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A geodatabase is a container for spatial and non-spatial data that can be organized in a certain structure. It has the advantages of providing a single, consolidated data storage for field measurements and all types of data used, and the ability of controlling data entry by applying validation rule on the attributes.
 
<br style="clear:both;"/>
 
<br style="clear:both;"/>
  
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===Output===
 
===Output===
The display of output is achieved through printers and computer screens.
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The display of output is achieved through printers and computer screens. Data might also be exported to formats supported by other tools.
  
 
==Benefits of GIS==
 
==Benefits of GIS==
 
GIS has many benefits, which include:
 
GIS has many benefits, which include:
*ability to integrate different databases into one environment
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*Analysis of spatial data in a complex environment
*ability to display and manage spatial data in a spatial contect
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*Ability to integrate different databases into one environment
*rapid production of specialized map and graphic products
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*Ability to display and manage spatial data in a spatial context
*performs complex spatial analysis
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*Rapid production of specialized maps and graphic products
 +
*Performs complex spatial analysis
  
 
==Coastal Zone Management and GIS==
 
==Coastal Zone Management and GIS==
 
[[Image:GISCZM3.jpg|350px|left|Coastal Zone management: GIS perspective]]
 
[[Image:GISCZM3.jpg|350px|left|Coastal Zone management: GIS perspective]]
GIS stores all data relevant for [[Coastal Zone Management]]. It handles data on all spatial scales (North Egypt coast vs. a single harbour) and is a powerful analysis tool, allowing the comparison of measurements from different years, as well as overlay analysis of measurements and modelling results.
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GIS stores all data relevant for [[Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)|ICZM]]. It handles data on all spatial scales (Entire regional coast vs. a single harbour) and is a powerful analysis tool, allowing the comparison of measurements from different years, as well as overlay analysis of measurements and modelling results.
 
<br style="clear:both;"/>
 
<br style="clear:both;"/>
 
:<small>Fig: Coastal Zone Management: GIS perspective</small>
 
:<small>Fig: Coastal Zone Management: GIS perspective</small>
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
*[http://www.gisig.it/ GISIG] –- - Geographical Information Systems International Group  
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:[http://www.gisig.it/ GISIG] –-- Geographical Information Systems International Group  
*[http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/home/giswww.html GIS WWWW resource list] of servers likely to be of interest to the GIS community
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:[http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/home/giswww.html GIS WWWW resource list] of servers likely to be of interest to the GIS community
*[http://support.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=knowledgebase.gisDictionary.gateway GIS dictionary]
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:[http://support.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=knowledgebase.gisDictionary.gateway GIS dictionary]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_information_system Wikipedia: GIS]
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:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_information_system Wikipedia: GIS]
 +
 
 +
 
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==See also==
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[[ICZM and Information Systems]]
 +
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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{{author
  
''8th January, Ulrik Lumborg, DHI.''
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|AuthorID=12941
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|AuthorFullName=Ulrik Lumborg
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|AuthorName=UlrikLumborg}}
  
(Caitlin 09:53, 18 January 2007 (Romance Standard Time))
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[[Category:Coastal and marine observation and monitoring]]
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[[Category:Information systems]]

Revision as of 16:54, 29 June 2019

This article provides a description of Geographic Information System (GIS), what it is, what it does and how it is used in coastal management. There are links to the wider GIS community.

What is GIS?

GISdefinition.jpg

A Geographic Information System organizes large volumes of raw data into a map form for easy comprehension. It divides raw data into layers so it can give you a better understanding for the whole world.


A GIS is designed for the collection, storage, and analysis of objects and phenomena where geographic location is an important characteristic or critical to the analysis - this definition is broad and applies to a wide variety of methods for storing, accessing, and manipulating geographic information; it does not limit GIS to the computer environment[1] .


GIS handles SPATIAL information - i.e. information referenced by its location in space.

Spatialinfo.jpg


GIS technology can be utilised in all areas dealing with georeferenced information, including:

GIS Data

GIS stores geographic coordinate data (spatial data) and attribute data. Spatial data represents features having known locations on earth. Can be one of points (0-Dimensional), lines (1-Dimensional) or areas (2-Dimensional), while attribute data is non-graphic information linked to the geographical features (spatial data) describing features eg type of road, name, history. Attribute data are stored in an attribute table that is connected to the spatial data.


Data formats

Discrete and continuous data can be represented, and two basic formats are used for storing and processing coordinate data: Vector and Raster.

Vector: Vector data type uses point locations (X,Y coordinate), or polyline/polygons, as representation. An advantage this has is that less storage space is used and can be easier to combine different vector layers, while a disadvantage is that it may be more difficult to perform certain overlay functions.

Raster: Data is stored as a matrix of pixels. To analyse or overlay multiple data layers, the layers must share a common projection and coordinate system, and layers must have topology established. An advantage is that neighbourhood analysis can be performed easily, and a disadvantage is that it is necessary to store the entire matrix.

Data types

Some types of data used in GIS are listed below:

  • Satellite images
  • Geographical maps
  • Wave time series & Rose
  • Scanned Maps
  • CAD drawing
    CAD drawing

Additional data include:

  • Land use
  • Sediment classification
  • DFS2 Data MIKE 21
  • Dfs1 Data MIKE 21
  • XYZ Data
  • Reports (design, licenses, Site investigation), etc.
Dfs2 Data MIKE 21

Map data is separated and stored in layers usually based on common geographical themes or data type. An alternative is objected-oriented GIS, where geographical and all other information regarding a feature stored as an object.

GIS functions

  • Data input
  • Storage
  • Management
  • Analysis
  • Output


Data input

Data input can be via:

  • Import of raw data (ASCII)
  • keyboard entry
  • digitising maps
  • digital scanning


Storing data using Geodatabase

Geodatabase.jpg

A geodatabase is a container for spatial and non-spatial data that can be organized in a certain structure. It has the advantages of providing a single, consolidated data storage for field measurements and all types of data used, and the ability of controlling data entry by applying validation rule on the attributes.

Data management

Database management system controls the way data are stored and retrieved. This includes verifying geographic coordinates and examining for accuracy.

GIS analysis

GIS analysis creates new data by manipulating existing data or analyzing relationships between sets of data. It's basic operations include:

  • retrieval
  • map generalization
  • map abstractions
  • map sheet manipulation
  • map abstractions
  • map sheet manipulation
  • buffer generation
  • polgygon overlay and dissolve
  • measurements
  • digital terrain analysis, and
  • network analysis[1]

Output

The display of output is achieved through printers and computer screens. Data might also be exported to formats supported by other tools.

Benefits of GIS

GIS has many benefits, which include:

  • Analysis of spatial data in a complex environment
  • Ability to integrate different databases into one environment
  • Ability to display and manage spatial data in a spatial context
  • Rapid production of specialized maps and graphic products
  • Performs complex spatial analysis

Coastal Zone Management and GIS

Coastal Zone management: GIS perspective

GIS stores all data relevant for ICZM. It handles data on all spatial scales (Entire regional coast vs. a single harbour) and is a powerful analysis tool, allowing the comparison of measurements from different years, as well as overlay analysis of measurements and modelling results.

Fig: Coastal Zone Management: GIS perspective

External links

GISIG –-- Geographical Information Systems International Group
GIS WWWW resource list of servers likely to be of interest to the GIS community
GIS dictionary
Wikipedia: GIS


See also

ICZM and Information Systems


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Cox, A., Gifford, F. An overview to geographic information systems. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 23, Issue 6, November 1997, Pages 449-461


The main author of this article is Ulrik Lumborg
Please note that others may also have edited the contents of this article.

Citation: Ulrik Lumborg (2019): Geographical Information System. Available from http://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/Geographical_Information_System [accessed on 28-03-2024]