Chapter-1: Concept of Geo-informatics

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Chapter - 1 Concept of Geo-informatics

Key words: Remote sensing, Map Generation, Digitization, Software

1.1 Advent of Spatial Information Technologies

While microcomputer made their first appearance three decades ago, it is only in the last 15 years they have become "seriously useable" machines. This situation has occurred as the consequence of a series of developments which includes: faster processing facility; large capacity, high performance and relatively inexpensive hard discs; high resolution colour monitors; CD-ROM players becoming near universal; and availability of inexpensive, high quality colour output devices and colour scanners. These hardware technology changes have gone in parallel with changes in better data conversion, software for scanners, better software for image manipulation and storage, and improvements in database management system. The innovation and development in computer, communication and software is contributing towards the growth of information technology. The present day low cost single user personal computer made its debut in the world in early 1980. The net result of these changes is that it is now relatively easy to create, store, retrieve, and analyze large quantities of spatial and non-spatial data of urban and transportation system. A related change is the rapid development of spatial information technologies such as Remote Sensing (RS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS). The relevance of spatial information technologies such as RS, GPS and GIS to transportation field is described in subsequent sections. For understanding the basics of these spatial technologies in detail, readers are suggested to refer some other basic books or online study material on spatial information technologies.

1.2 Remote Sensing (RS)

The advent of Remote Sensing through space borne and air-borne platforms and sensors has opened new vistas for modern, scientific surveying of earths natural resources. Remote sensing data is the name given to any data where information about a location is collected remotely, i.e. from a different location, such as collecting information about the ground surface from inside an aircraft. Remote sensing is the science (and to some extent, art) of acquiring information about the earth surface without actually being in contact with it. This is done by sensing and recording the reflected or emitted energy and processing, analyzing, and
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applying that information. The main components of Remote Sensing are shown in the figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1: Components of Remote Sensing

Where: A - Energy source or illumination B Radiation and atmosphere C Interaction with the target D Recording of the energy by the sensor E Transmission, reception and processing F Interpretation and analysis G - Application Remote sensing provides valuable terrain data over vast areas with repetitive coverage in multi-spectral range, adequate resolutions and also stereoscopic coverage. All these facilities have greatly enhanced the scope for improved terrain mapping, mapping inaccessible areas, monitoring of developments, planning field traverses, land use quantification, as well as urban and transportation system surveys for development & management. Conventional ground methods of land use mapping are labour intensive, time consuming and are done relatively infrequently. These maps soon become outdated with passage of time, particularly in a rapidly changing urban environment. In recent years, satellite remote sensing techniques have been developed, which have proved to be of immense value for preparing accurate land-use and land cover maps and monitoring changes at regular intervals of time. In
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case of urban areas, this technique is perhaps the suitable method of obtaining the required data on a cost and time- effective basis. Since the status of land such as built up area, area available for future development is an important input for land use - transportation studies, the land cover analysis on satellite imageries is very relevant and useful. In a past study, the RS technology was adopted to assess the area under various land uses as input for preparation of Indore City development plan. Similarly, land use/land cover mapping was carried out for Saharanpur City using RS and GIS techniques to find the land use status. More recently, the complete land use quantification at Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ) level for Mumbai Metropolitan Region was carried out using RS satellite imageries and GIS for the comprehensive transport study.

1.3 Global Positioning System (GPS)

Global Positioning System (GPS) has tremendous potential for better transport management/planning. Traffic management, emergency services (fire service, accident relief, ambulance service, policing, etc.), are the few areas where GPS can play significant role due to its capability to provide near accurate location (latitude, longitude, altitude) and other details. Traffic routing, movement of vehicles, VIP movement, taxi service, fleet management for passenger and cargo services etc. becomes easier by using GPS receivers on vehicles. Use of GPS along with GIS database of the city can help to perform the above tasks more effectively. GPS is also very useful in creating accurate spatial databases. Global positioning system is an earth-orbiting Satellite based system that provides signals anywhere on or above earth, 24 hours a day, round the year, and irrespective of weather, and that can be used to determine precise time and the position of a GPS receiver in three dimensions. This technology is increasingly used as input for GIS particularly for precise positioning of geo-spatial data and for collection of data from the field. One major advantage is its capability of forming a powerful building block in an integrated system. GPS together with a co-ordinate system and GIS produces a map and the map facilitates navigation. GPS is rapidly becoming an important tool to the GIS and Remote sensing industries. 1.3.1 Concept of GPS GPS consists of a constellation of radio navigation satellite and a ground control segment. It manages satellite operation and users with specialized receivers who use the satellite data to satisfy a broad range of positioning requirements.
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In brief, following are the key features of GPS:1 2 3 The basis of GPS is triangulation more precisely trilateration from satellites A GPS receiver measures distance using the travel time of radio signals. To measure travel time GPS needs very accurate timing that is achieved with some techniques. 4 5 Along with distance, one needs to know exactly where the satellites are in space. Finally one must correct for any delays, the signal experience as it travels through the atmosphere. The whole idea behind GPS is to use satellites in space as reference points for location here on earth. By very accurately measuring the distances from at least three satellites, we can triangulate our position anywhere on the earth by resection method. 1.3.2 GPS Elements GPS has 3 parts: the space segment, the user segment, and the control segment, Figure-1.2 illustrates the same. The space segment consists of a constellation of 24 satellites, each in its own orbit, which is 11,000 nautical miles above the Earth. The user segment consists of receivers, which can be held in hand or mount in the vehicle. The control segment consists o f ground stations (six of them, located around the world) that make sure the satellites are working properly. More details on each of these elements can be referred from any standard book or online literature on GPS.

Figure 1.2: GPS segments

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1.3.3 GPS Satellite Navigation System GPS is funded and controlled by the U. S. Department of Defense (DOD). While there are many thousands of civil users of GPS worldwide, the system was designed for and is operated by the U. S. military. It provides specially coded satellite signals that can be processed in a GPS receiver, enabling the receiver to compute position, velocity and time. Four GPS satellite signals are used to compute positions in three dimensions and the time offset in the receiver clock. 1.3.4 GPS Positioning Techniques GPS positioning techniques may be categorized as being predominantly based on code or carrier measurements. Code techniques are generally simple and produce low accuracy, while carrier techniques are more complex and produce higher accuracy. There exist a variety of positioning methods for both code and carrier measurements. The suitability of each for a specific application is dependent on the desired accuracy, logistical constraints and costs. Many variables affect this accuracy, such as the baseline lengths, ionospheric

conditions, magnitude of selective availability, receiver types used, and processing strategies adopted.

1.3.5 Differential GPS (DGPS) The technique used to augment GPS is known as differential. The basic idea is to locate one or more reference GPS receivers at known locations in users vicinities and calibrate ranging errors as they occur. These errors are transmitted to the users in near real time. The errors are highly correlated across tens of kilometers and across many minutes. Use of such corrections can greatly improve the accuracy and integrity. To increase the accuracy of positioning, Differential-GPS (D-GPS) was introduced. The idea is as follows: a reference station is located at a known and accurately surveyed point. The GPS reference station determines its GPS position using four or more satellites. Given that the position of the GPS reference station is exactly known, the deviation of the measured position to the actual position and more importantly the measured pseudo range to each of the individual satellites can be calculated. The differences are either transmitted immediately by radio or used

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afterwards for correction after carrying out the measurements. The man made error like Selective Availability can be corrected using this. 1.3.5 GPS applications in Transportation Due to the high accuracy, usability, ease and economy of operations in all weather, offered by GPS, it has found numerous applications in many fields ranging from accuracy level of mm for the high precision geodesy to several meters for navigational positioning. Some of the applications in urban and transportation field are: i) establishment of ground control points for imageries / map registration, ii) determination of a precise geo ID using GPS data, iii) survey control for topographical and cadastral surveys, iv) air, road, rail, and marine navigation, v) intelligent traffic management system, vi) vehicle tracking system etc. Some of these applications will be described in detail in subsequent chapters.

1.4 Geographical Information System (GIS)

In the highly dynamic and complex world 'information' has become a critical resource for effective and efficient management of organisation. Information Technology in its various forms is enabling organizations to churn raw data into meaningful information for effective decision making. One such form of Information Technology (IT) is Geographic Information System (GIS). It is described as: An organized collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data and personnel designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display all forms of geographically referenced information. According to this definition and as shown in Figure.1.3, GIS includes not only computing capability and data, but also manages the users, and organizations within which they function and institutional relationships that govern their management and use of information.

GIS system design and implementation planning are not a separate process. They must occur in conjunctions with one another. 1.4.1 Elements of GIS The major elements of GIS are geography-the actual location, information- the description of the location, and the system to integrate and perform the required GIS functions.
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Figure 1.3: Domains of GIS i) Geographic: The system is concerned with data relating to geography and geographic scales of measurement. This is referenced by some coordinate system to locations on the surface of the earth. ii) Information: The system allows for the storage and extraction of specific and meaningful attributes information. These data are connected to some geography and are organized around a model of the real world. Spatial and non-spatial queries are made possible. iii) System: An automated system should include an integrated set of procedures for the input, storage, manipulations and output of geographic information. GIS is an integrated single platform of three areas viz. the relational database management system to store spatial and non-spatial data; cartographic capabilities to depict, graph and plot geographic information; and spatial analytical capabilities to facilitate manipulation and spatial analysis. 1.4.2 Components of GIS There are four components of GIS: (1) data, (2) hardware, (3) software, and (4) users. As shown in Figure 1.4, the components must be integrated to support the management and analysis of spatial or mapped data. Data tends to be at the center of any GIS system, while the computer components of the system support the data management and analysis.

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Figure 1.4: Components of GIS 1.4.2.1 Data GIS components are dynamic; there has been rapid change in the computing industry as well as turnover of personnel involved in GIS projects. For this reason, GIS developers are often encouraged to adopt a data-centered approach. Simply stated, a data-centered approach views data as the central resource in the GIS. Though data may be shared among multiple users and multiple hardware/software environments, the data is collected and compiled by a person or organization to support the goal of that user. The other components provide the support needed to process that data. All data in a GIS are either spatial data or attribute data. As discussed above, spatial data tells us where something occurs. Attribute data tells what occurs; it tells us the nature or characteristics of the spatial data. Every GIS provides the ability to store and manipulate both the spatial data and the associated attribute data. Spatial data includes information pertaining to location of objects of interest, their distribution and extent, adjacency, proximity and connectivity, verses, attribute data, or observations about features.

1.4.2.2 Hardware Computer hardware used to support GIS is a highly variable part of the overall system. Users will customize their hardware environment to best meet their own individual needs. In all cases, however, a fully functional GIS must contain hardware to support data input, output, storage, retrieval, display, and analysis.
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1.4.2.3 Software Software is also a highly dynamic part of the system with large number of GIS software packages existing now. These systems are available for almost all types of hardware platforms and come with a wide variety of functional capabilities. The range in software options goes from generic turnkey systems that are ready for use "right out of the box" to customized installations designed to support specific user needs, like TransCAD (a GIS software tailor made for transport applications). Given that sometimes-bewildering array of choices for hardware and software, selection and use of a GIS should be approached strategically. In all cases, anyone considering a GIS software package should consider needs carefully and consult various references, including other users, vendors, and technical publications. 1.4.2.4 Users The final component required for a true GIS is users. The term "user" may refer to any individual who will use GIS to support project or program goals, or to an entire organization that will employ GIS in support of its overall mission. GIS users are often envisioned as hands-on computer processing people. While this is in part true, we choose to define a broader spectrum of GIS users. One classification scheme classifies users into two groups: system users and end users. System users are those persons who have actual hands-on use of the GIS hardware and software. These persons have advanced technical skills in the application of GIS to problem solving. System users tend to be responsible not only for the day-to-day use of the system, but also for system maintenance and upkeep. End users are those persons who do not have actual hands-on use of the system but who do make use of the information products generated via the GIS. End users do not necessarily have to possess hands-on technical skills. However, they must be able to communicate effectively and interact with system users in order to make requests for information products, and must also understand the limitations and requirements of GIS-based processing.

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1.4.3 Conceptualization of GIS Conceptually, a GIS can be envisioned as a stacked set of map layers, where each layer is aligned or registered to all other layers. Typically, each layer will contain a unique geographic theme or data type. The GIS database stores both the spatial data (where something occurs) and the attribute data (characteristics of the spatial data) for all of the features shown on each layer. These themes may include, for example, topography, soils, land-use, cadastral (land ownership) information, or infrastructure such as roads, Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ), pipelines, power lines, or sewer networks. Figure 1.5 gives a schematic view of geographic layer system in GIS. By sharing mutual geography, all layers in the GIS can be combined or overlaid in any user-specified combination.

Figure 1.5: Mapping layers of GIS

1.4.4 Maps and Map Data Handling Before examining the individual components and functions of GIS, it will be helpful to consider the nature of maps and mapped data. A GIS works with observations or measurements that can be tied to a specific geographic location on the ground. Another common term for mapped data is spatial data. Spatial data vary with location, so the nature of the data that we collect, measure, and interpret will change as we consider various locations on the earth's surface. Observations of the earth's surface are recorded on maps to portray the

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spatial data in a format that is easy for humans to comprehend. Maps, as devices used to communicate the nature of spatial data, are the focus of the next section. All maps are simplifications of the real world. The true earth is infinitely complex and it is not possible to depict on a map all of the real earth features that we might be interested in. As a simplified image of the earth, maps can be called models of reality. Though they are simplifications, these models are quite sophisticated, and the science of map making, called cartography, is a formal geographic science. A true map must accurately show not only what the nature of the mapped variable is (in correct proportion), but also must correctly place all mapped data in their true geographic locations. The geographic location of spatial data can be classified into two types: absolute and relative. Absolute location refers to a unique and standardized place or position, while relative location defines position based on the location of other variables or phenomena. Absolute geographic position is specified using a universal coordinate system such as Latitude/Longitude or Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates. These universal coordinate systems allow both the mapmaker and the map user to specify a unique and definite position for every location on both the earth and maps of the earth. This unique location, which is "tagged" to all spatial data, is critical to being able to store and analyze data in a GIS. It is this geographic tag or characteristic that distinguishes GIS as a technology that focuses on mapped data.

Generally there are three classes or families of map projections. Each geometric shape is used to transform the globe (a curved surface) to a plane (the map surface). These three families are called "developable" surfaces because planes, cones, and cylinders can be "flattened" without distortion (Figure 1.6). Azimuthal or planar projections use a flat two-dimensional surface to develop the map, conical projections are transformed onto a cone wrapped around the globe, which is then flattened, and the cylindrical family of maps is projected onto a cylinder wrapped around the globe. Different projections are selected to minimize specific types of distortions in distance, direction, shape and area found on all flat maps.

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Figure 1.6: Map Projection GIS developers and users must also concern themselves with map scale. Scale is the mathematical relationship of real earth distance (ground distance) to that same distance as it is shown on a map. This relationship is often stated as a ratio of the two distances. As mentioned above, all maps are models or simplifications of reality. Maps also are reductions of reality. That is, the ratio of map to ground distance is normally much less than one. Maps to be stored in a GIS must be similar in scale if they are to be manipulated together. Maps with widely varying scales cannot be accurately combined. Thus, the user of either traditional paper maps or computerized GIS maps is fundamentally restricted by the degree of scale difference between map manuscripts. Maps with large differences in scale (e.g., 1: 2, 50,000 vs. 1: 9,600) cannot be registered and overlaid without serious distortion and probable error.

1.4.5 Functions of GIS As stated earlier in the chapter: a GIS is a computerized, integrated system used to compile, store, manipulate, and output mapped data. This section will examine each of these functions.

1.4.5.1 Data Compilation

Data compilation involves assembling all the spatial and attributes data that are to be stored in a computerized format within the GIS. Map data with common projections, scales, and coordinate systems must be pulled together in order to establish the centralized GIS database. Data must also be examined for compatibility in terms of content and time of data collection. Ultimately, the data will be stored in a GIS according to the specific format requirements set by both the user and the chosen GIS software/hardware environment.
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When all of the common data requirements are set by the GIS user, a "base map" has been established. A base map is a set of standard requirements for data. It provides accurate standards for geographic control, and also defines a model or template that is used to shape all data into a compatible form. A base map is not necessarily a map; rather, it is a comprehensive set of standards established and enacted to ensure quality control for the spatial and attribute data contained in the GIS. Once the data are assembled and base map parameters are set; the user must translate the map and attribute data into computer-compatible form. This conversion process referred to as "conversion" or "digitizing" converts paper maps into numerical digits that can be stored in the computer. Digitizing can be performed using various techniques. Scanning is one technique. Another technique of digitization uses a tablet and a tracing stylus (Figure 1.7). Digitizing simplifies map data into sets of points, lines, or cells that can be stored in the GIS computer. Each GIS software package will impose a specific form and design on the way that these sets of points, lines, and cells are stored as digital map files.

Figure 1.7: Digitizer Digitization is a simplification process that converts all spatial data to a point (e.g., traffic intersection), a line (e.g., a transport link), a polygon formed by a closed, complex line [e.g., Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ)], or a grid cell. Digitization reduces all spatial entities to these simple forms because they are easy to store in the computer. A GIS database cannot readily recognize features or entities as human map users do. For example, we cannot enter the entit y
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"TAZ" into a GIS. Rather, we enter the spatial data coordinates for the TAZ's boundary as a polygon. Later, the attributes of the TAZ will be entered into the GIS database and will be associated with the polygon. Following the digitization of map features, the user completes the compilation phase by relating all spatial features to their respective attributes, and by cleaning up and correcting errors introduced as a result of the data conversion process. The end result of compilation is a set of digital files each accurately representing all of the spatial and attributes data of interest contained on the original map manuscripts. These digital files contain geographic coordinates for spatial objects (points, lines, polygons, and cells) that represent mapped features. 1.4.5.2 Storage Once the data have been digitally compiled, digital map files in the GIS are stored on magnetic or other (e.g., optical) digital media. Again, different GIS software packages will employ different storage formats. In most cases, however, data storage will be based on a generic data model that is used to convert map data into a digital form. The two most common types of data models are raster and vector. Both types are used to simplify the data shown on a map into a more basic form that can be easily and efficiently stored in the computer.

1.4.5.2.1 Raster Image

The raster approach for storing map data in a GIS is perhaps the most intuitive. Figure 1.8 shows the essential step involved in converting a map to a raster format. First, a gridded matrix is registered to and overlaid on the original map manuscript. The row and column coordinates of each cell define location in the grid. To encode the map data for each cell in the raster format, three pieces of data are recorded: the row coordinate, the column coordinate, and the attribute. Thus a triplet of data is recorded for each cell in the array, which is termed a raster. After map data are stored in a raster format, each cell in the raster corresponds to a location on the map and each cell's location in the raster is identified by row and column coordinates. By assigning a value to each cell, the corresponding attribute data for that location are also stored. The end result of this conversion process is a set of cells, each with a specified location and an attribute value. These data can then be entered into a computer-compatible file and stored in the GIS database.
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Figure 1.8: Raster Image Perhaps the most critical issue in using a raster GIS is the selection of an appropriate grid cell size. The user is forced to examine the trade-off between data resolution (how small grid cells are in the raster array) and storage requirements (increasing the number of rows and columns causes exponential increase in storage requirements). The use of smaller cells records greater detail in the GIS, so the user would normally attempt to select the smallest practical cell size. The choice of cell size depends on many factors, including the resolution of the original map data, the degree of resolution needed in the GIS analysis, the time and money available for data compilation, available storage space on the GIS computer, and cell sizes already employed for previously existing raster data that the user may want to incorporate into the GIS database. 1.4.5.2.2 Vector Image A vector data structure is very different from a raster data model. Whereas the raster data model uses sets of grid cells to record all data, a vector model stores all spatial data as a point, line, or polygon. These three types of spatial data are referred to as features, and a vector GIS can be termed a feature-based technology. Figure 1.9 shows an example of a vector data model. When a vector model represents an entity as a point (e.g., a traffic intersection or a bus stop location), a single coordinate pair is used to specify its location. A feature represented as a line (e.g., a road or rail link) uses a linked set of coordinates, and a feature represented as a polygon, which is an alternative form of a line (e.g., a TAZ), must
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have the same beginning and ending point coordinates. In a raster model, a point is a single cell, a line is a linked set of cells, and a polygon is a group or neighborhood of similarly encoded cells. For all three types of features stored in a vector GIS, an attribute code is entered into the GIS files to identify the object. For example, a TAZ would be vectorized (added to the database as a vector map) as a polygon by storing the linked set of coordinates for the boundary line and the attribute code "TAZ" would be entered in the GIS files to identify that group of cells.

Figure 1.9: Vector Data 1.4.5.3 Manipulation Once data are stored in a GIS, many retrieval, analysis, and output options are available to users. These functions are often available in the form of "toolkits." A toolkit is a set of generic functions that a GIS user can employ to manipulate and analyze geographic data. Toolkits provide processing functions such as data retrieval, measuring area and perimeter, overlaying maps, performing map algebra, and reclassifying map data. A GIS usually includes a basic set of computer programs or "tools." The functions provided by the toolkit vary with the software package. Figures 1.10 and Fig 1.11 provides an overview of various tool functions. Data manipulation tools include coordinate change, projection, and edge matching, which allow a GIS to reconcile irregularities between map layers or adjacent map sheets called "tiles." Query and windowing are spatial retrieval tools. Query provides a way
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to retrieve user-specified data from the database. Windowing allows the user to select a specified area from a map displayed on the monitor to examine it in greater detail as shown in Figure 1.10.

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Figure 1.10: Manipulation tools of GIS

Data analysis tools shown in Figure 1.11 include aggregation, classification, measurement, overlay, buffering, networks, and map algebra. Aggregation helps the user in interpreting the data, classification allows the user to classify areas within a map, and measurement can be used to determine the size of any area. The overlay function allows the user to "stack" map layers on one another. Buffering examines an area that surrounds a feature of interest such as a point. Network functions examine the movement of objects along an interconnected pathway (e.g., traffic flow along a map of highway segments). Map algebra utilities allow the user to specify mathematical relationships between map layers.

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Figure 1.11: Data Analysis Tools of GIS 1.4.5.4 Output The final functional task of a GIS is to generate output; usually a map. GIS-generated maps are compiled from the many data sets contained in the digital GIS and match exact user specifications. Map output may employ several color and symbology schemes, and will be sized and scaled to meet user needs. These output products resemble hand-drafted maps and fulfill essentially the same purposes. However, it is incorrect to refer to GIS simply as a mapping system. Although GIS is able to generate high-quality map output, its ability to perform analysis and management sets it apart from the more limited computer-mapping packages. Another form of output from a GIS is tabular or reports information. Data summarized according to user-defined classes or within user-defined areas can readily be generated in a textual format. This output may also be routed to another computer application such as a statistical analysis package or a graphing package for subsequent analysis and display.

1.4.6 Common terms in GIS The followings are the very frequently used terms in the context of GIS. i) Map: Usually a two-dimensional representation of all or part of the earths surface. ii) Map Projection: The basic system of coordinates used to describe the spatial distribution of elements in a GIS.
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iii)

Layer: A logical separation of mapped information according to theme. Many geographical information systems and CAD/CAM systems allow user to choose and work on a single layer or any combination of layers at a time.

iv)

Mosaic: Process of putting various parts of the study area together, or the result of putting various parts together.

v)

Overlay: A record on a transparent medium to be superimposed on another record.

vi)

Thematic map: A map displaying selected kinds of information relating to specific themes, such as land use, population, vehicle ownership, and so on.

vii)

Topology: The way in which geographical elements are linked together and relate to one another in space. Topological structure essentially maintains the spatial relationships inherent in the terrain data and that is obvious to the human mind when visually examining a graphic representation of data.

viii)

Network: In general, this term refers to a set of components connected by channels. In the context of transportation, it normally refers to a network of highways, arterial roads, public transport, rail etc.

1.5 Spatial Information Technology & Transportation

GIS, since its inception about 30 years ago, has enjoyed an esoteric status. It had to wait till the '90s before its application in the various sectors has started to be exploited. Many organizations now spend large amount of money on GIS and on geographic data. The reason being; the cost of computer hardware needed for the task is dropping rapidly and, thus affordable to an increasingly wider sector. More importantly, geography (and the data

describing it) is part of our everyday world; almost every decision we make is constrained, influenced or dictated by some fact of geography. Traffic impact assessment due to change in land use, transport network modification to meet the requirement of contemporary needs of the society, sending fire fighting trucks by shortest available path, feasibility study for introduction of new transportation system and critical analysis of utility planning/renewal in the complex urban streets are all associated with configuration of urban area and transport network. Since city development organizations are responsible for formulating, planning, implementing and monitoring of development of urban

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Chapter-1: Concept of Geo-informatics

NPTEL Web Course (12th Aug. 2011)

areas and transportation system, they should logically be natural client of GIS technology tools. Figure.1.12 depicts GIS for Transportation (GIS-T) conceived from the point of view of union of an enhanced Transportation Information System (TIS) and an enhanced GIS. The necessary enhancement to existing TIS is the structuring of the attribute data base to provide consistent location reference data in a form compatible with the GIS, which in turn has been enhanced to represent and process geographic data in the forms required for transportation application. This does not imply that databases must be redesigned according to the constraints imposed by the software. In fact, one of the required enhancements to off- the shelf GIS software is the ability to link with and utilize all or nearly all of the linearly referenced transportation data collected and maintained by the transportation organization.

Figure 1.12: GIS T (Enhanced GIS and TIS)

1.6 GIS and RS Soft wares for Transportation

There are software packages like Arc GIS, Intergraph MGE, Auto desk Map, Atlas GIS, MapInfo, Geo SQL, GRASS, Small world GIS, Erdas Imagine, TransCAD etc. available for application of Land use and Transportation Planning and monitoring, TransCAD is a GIS software package developed exclusively for planning, management operation and analysis of transportation systems and facilities. The salient features of TransCAD and Erdas Imagine are described below.

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Course Title: Geo-informatics in Transportation Engineering Course Co-ordinator: Dr. Ashish Verma, IISc Bangalore

Chapter-1: Concept of Geo-informatics

NPTEL Web Course (12th Aug. 2011)

1.6.1 TransCAD TransCAD is the Geographic Information System (GIS) designed specifically for use by transportation professionals to store, display, manage, and analyze transportation data. TransCAD combines GIS and transportation modeling capabilities in a single integrated platform, providing capabilities that may not be available in other packages. TransCAD can be used for all modes of transportation, at any scale or level of detail. Some transportation themes and charts are shown in Figure 1.13

Figure 1.13: Themes and Charts in TransCAD It is a powerful GIS engine with special extensions for transportation mapping, visualization, and analysis tools designed for transportation applications. It also provides application modules for routing, travel demand forecasting, public transit, logistics, site location, and territory management.

TransCAD has applications for all types of transportation data and for all modes of transportation, and is ideal for building transportation information and decision support systems. TransCAD runs on readily available hardware under Microsoft Windows and embraces virtually all desktop-computing standards. It is the only software package that fully integrates GIS with demand modeling and logistics functionality. There are many reasons why it is valuable to have a GIS as part of a planning or routing and logistics package.
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Course Title: Geo-informatics in Transportation Engineering Course Co-ordinator: Dr. Ashish Verma, IISc Bangalore

Chapter-1: Concept of Geo-informatics

NPTEL Web Course (12th Aug. 2011)

First, GIS makes it possible for models to be much more accurate. Network distances and travel times are based on the actual shape of the road network and a correct representation of highway interchanges. Also, with networks one can specify complex road attributes such as truck exclusions, delays at intersections, one-way streets, and construction zones. Second, the entire modeling process is more efficient. Data preparation is greatly facilitated and the database and visualization capabilities catch errors before they cause problems. A third advantage is the GIS itself. In TransCAD, different modeling equations can easily be derived and applied for different geographic subareas. Similarly, TransCAD brings new and much-needed capabilities for measuring geographic accessibility. Lastly, the GIS approach provides a graphical solution that is easily understood. Users can convey highly technical information to the non-practitioner in a very straightforward and understandable manner.

1.6.2 Erdas Imagine Imagery is far more than pictures of the earths surface. It is a valuable source of data that captures actual events at specific times and places in the world so that we can study how the earth changes over time. ERDAS IMAGINE gives you the tools to manipulate and understand this data. 1.6.2.1 Comprehensive Toolbox ERDAS IMAGINE is a broad collection of software tools designed specifically to process imagery. It allows the user to extract data from images like a seasoned professional, regardless of the experience or education. 1.6.2.2 Easy to Use With its large and easy-to-use selection of image processing tools, ERDAS IMAGINE both simplifies and streamlines the workflow. It also allows the user to keep in-house many of the functions we may have needed to outsource before. 1.6.2.3 Imagery

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Course Title: Geo-informatics in Transportation Engineering Course Co-ordinator: Dr. Ashish Verma, IISc Bangalore

Chapter-1: Concept of Geo-informatics

NPTEL Web Course (12th Aug. 2011)

Historically, imagery has been difficult to obtain and even more difficult to process. Now, however, the world of imagery has changed so dramatically over the past ten years, that there is really no reason for a GIS professional not to use it on a regular basis. 1.6.2.4 Geospatial Information Up-to-date imagery from satellites or aerial photography can dramatically increase the success of many GIS projects.

1.6.2.5 Geospatial Information: Improved Decision-Making Using GIS Data Geographic imaging professionals use a wide variety of data and image analysis tools to solve geographically related problems every day. Data derived from imagery is analyzed and applied to result in better, more informed decision making through this software. 1.6.2.6 Planning Future Land Use Erdas Imagine software is powerful software for satellite imagery analysis. Since the initial important input for transportation planning is based on land use / land cover characteristics, the digital image processing such as classification, grouping of land uses etc can be done efficiently. Map registration and mosaicking tools are useful for geo-referencing of satellite imageries to the Ground Control Points (GCP) acquired through Global Positioning System Survey.

Exercise 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Write a short note on remote sensing? Discuss about GIS and its applications? What is GPS and what are its functions? What are the different types of data models in GIS? Explain digitization? What is map projection and what are the different types of map projections?

Assignments 1. Study typical GIS related software and prepare a comparative report. 2. Study a GPS instrument and use it for recording coordinates of various features.

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Course Title: Geo-informatics in Transportation Engineering Course Co-ordinator: Dr. Ashish Verma, IISc Bangalore