Here are some key components and concepts related to GIS:
- Spatial Data: GIS is primarily concerned with spatial or geographic data, which includes information tied to specific geographic locations on the Earth's surface. This data can be in the form of points, lines, polygons, and raster images.
GIS system maintains spatial data & attribute data. Spatial data (where)
- specifies location
- stored in a shape file, geo-database.
- Hardware: GIS systems often require specialized hardware, including computers with sufficient processing power, storage capacity, and display capabilities. In some cases, specialized input devices like GPS receivers and digitizers are used to collect spatial data.
- Software: GIS software is used to create, edit, analyze, and visualize geographic data. Popular GIS software packages include ArcGIS, QGIS, and Google Earth.
- Data: Geographic data is at the core of GIS. This data can come from various sources, including surveys, remote sensing, GPS devices, and existing databases. GIS can integrate data from different sources into a unified system.
- Data Layers: In GIS, data is organized into layers, each representing a specific type of geographic information. For example, a GIS project might have separate layers for roads, land parcels, rivers, and population data.
- Spatial Analysis: One of the primary functions of GIS is to perform spatial analysis. This includes operations like buffering, overlaying, proximity analysis, and spatial modeling to gain insights from geographic data.
- Map Production: GIS is often used for map production and cartography. It allows users to create maps with various symbols, labels, and thematic representations to convey spatial information effectively.
- Geocoding: GIS can convert addresses or place names into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) or locate addresses based on coordinates. This is known as geocoding and is useful for tasks like mapping and navigation.
- Remote Sensing: GIS can incorporate data from remote sensing technologies such as satellites, aerial photography, and drones. This data provides valuable information about the Earth's surface.
- Spatial Queries: GIS enables users to perform spatial queries, allowing them to retrieve specific geographic information based on criteria like location or attributes. For example, finding all the schools within a certain distance of a park.
- Visualization: GIS software provides tools for visualizing geographic data through maps, charts, and 3D models. Visualization aids in better understanding and decision-making.
- Decision Support: GIS is used in various fields, including urban planning, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, transportation, and emergency response, to support decision-making processes by providing spatial insights.
Attribute (descriptive) data (what, how much,when)
- specifies characteristics at that location, natural or human-created.
- stored in a database table .
- Effective Planning
- Better Information Management
- Enhanced Mapping Capabilities
- Improved Communication
- Manage Natural Resources
- Efficient Design
- Better Marketing Planning
- Optimise Public Transportation
- Scientific research employs GIS
- Asset Management etc.