Introduction

A Geographic information system (GIS) is a framework for gathering, managing and analyzing
data. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates many types of data . It analyzes spatial
location and organizes layers of information into visualization using maps and 3D scenes. With
this unique capability, GIS reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, relationships, and
situations – helping users make smarter decision. Geographic information system provide tools
to help decision makers visualize problems that benefit from mapping . GIS software ties
location data about the distribution of people or other resources to points, lines and area on a
map. Some GIS have modeling capabilities for changing the data and automatically revising
business scenarios. GIS might be used to help state and local governments calculate response
times to natural disasters and other emergencies, to help banks identify the best location for
new branches or ATM terminals , or to help police forces pinpoint location with the highest
incidence of crime.

Limitations of the Study

Although I have got the full cooperation from internet and books , I have faced some difficulties
, which made my conduction of the program little hazardous.

Some of these are mentioned below:

 It should be certainly mentioned that the time are very short to get the total view of
Geographic information system
 Limitations regarding appropriate locations
 Lack of information on recent wind speed.
 Sometimes I can’t some data from internet.
 In case of secondary data collection, there was very little secondary information . There
were few support books, reports , journals.

What is a Geographic Information System?

The concept of geographic information system(GIS) is not new . I was first applied
conceptually when maps on the same topic made on different dates were viewed
together to identify changes. Similarly, when maps showing different kinds of
information for the same area where overlaid to determine relationships, the concept of
GIS was actually in use. What is new and progressing rapidly is advancing computer
technology, which allows the low cost examination of large areas frequently , and with
an increasing amount of data . Digitization, manipulation, of information, interpretation,
and map reproduction are all steps in generating a GIS that now can be achieved rapidly,
almost in real time.
The concept of a GIS is basically analogous to a very large panel made up of similarly
shaped open boxes, with each box representing a specified area on the earths surface.
As each element of information about a particular attribute (soil, rainfall, population)
that applies to the area is identified , it can be placed into the corresponding box. Since
there is theoretically no limit to the amount of information that can be entered into
each box, very large volumes of data can be compiled in an orderly manner . After
 assigning relatively few attributes to the box system, it becomes obvious that a
collection of mapped information has been generated and can be overlaid to reveal
spatial relationships between the different attributes ,i.e., hazardous events, natural
resources, and socio economic phenomena (Figure5-1). There are many kinds of GIS ,
some more suitable for integrated development planning studies and natural hazard
management and others. At the most elementary level, there simple manual overlay
techniques , such as the one proposed by Mcharg in design with nature, which have
proven to be very valuable tools . However , the information needed for hazard
management and development planning can become so overwhelming that it is almost
impossible to cope with it manually , At the other extreme are highly sophisticated
computerized systems that can analyze baseline scientific data such as satellite imagery
and can produce , by using plotters, large scale maps of excellent cartographic quality.
Such systems are very expensive , difficult to operate and may exceed the needs of
many planning offices.

Figure 5-1. Overlay Characteristics of a GIS

Among computerized GIS , PC based GIS are most affordable and relatively simple to operate ,
capable of generating maps of varying scales and tabular information suitable for repeated
analysis, project design , and decision making . Even though pc base GIS may not produce maps
of cartographic quality of sufficient details for engineering design, they are most viable for
planning teams analyzing natural hazard issues In integrated development projects.

Data manipulated by a computer based GIS are arranged in one of two ways.: by raster or by
vector . The raster model uses grid cells to reference and store information. An area for study is
divided into a grid or matrix of square (sometimes rectangular) cells identical in size ,and
information attributes represented as sets of numbers is stored in each cell for each layer or
attributes of the database. A Cell can display either the dominant features found in that cell or
the percentages distribution of all attributes founds in the same cell . raster based systems
define spatial relationship between variables more clearly than their vector based counterparts,
but the coarser resolution caused by using a cell structure reduces spatial accuracy.

Vector data are a closer translation of the original map. These systems reference all information
as points, lines or polygons, and assign a unique set of X,Y coordinates to each attribute .
Usually , vector system software program have the capability to enlarge a small portion of a
map to show greater detail or to reduce an area and show it in the regional context . Vector
data can offer a larger number of possible overlay inputs or layers of data with greater ease.
The vector model does represent the mapped areas more accurately than a raster system, but
because each layer I s defined uniquely, analyzing information from different layers is
considerably more difficult.

The choice of raster or vector based GIS depends on the users needs. Vector systems, however,
demand highly skilled operators and may also require more time and more expensive
equipment, particularly for output procedures. Vector based GIS software is also much more
complex than that for the raster system an d should be checked for performances in all cases .
It is up to the planner or decision maker to choose what system is most appropriate.

Geographic Information system Operations and Functions

 a. Data input
b. Data storage
c. Data manipulation and processing
d. Data output

a. Data input

Data input covers the range of operations by which spatial data from maps, remote sensors,
and other sources are transformed into a digital format .Among the different devices commonly
used for this operation are keyboard, digitizers, scanners, CCTS, and interactive terminals or
visual display units. Given its relatively low cost, efficiency, and ease of operation, digitizing
constitutes the best data input option for development planning purposes.

Two different types of data must be entered into the GIS: geographic references and attributes.
Geographic reference data are the coordinates which give the location of the information being
entered. Attribute data associate a numerical code to each cell or set of coordinates and each
variables, either to represent actual values or to connote categorical data types . Data input
routines , whether through manual keyboard entry, digitizing , or scanning g, require a
considerable amount of time.

b. Data storage
Data storage refers to the way in which spatial data are structured and organized within the GIS
according to their location, interrelationship, and attribute design . Computers permit large
amounts of data to be stored , either on the computer hard disk or in portable diskettes.

c. Data manipulation and processing

Data manipulation and processing are performed to obtain useful information from data
previously entered in to the system. Data manipulation embraces two types of operations: 1.
Operations needed to remove error and update current data sets and 2. Operation using
analytical to answers specific question formulated by the user. The manipulation process can
range from the simple overlay of two or more maps to a complex extraction of disparate pieces
of information from a wide variety of sources.

d. Data output

Data out refers to the display or presentation of data employing commonly used output
formats that include maps, graphs, reports , tables, and charts, either as a hard copy , as an
image on the screen, or as a text file that can be carried into other software programs for
further analysis.

How Geographic Information System Work?

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer application system for storing, capturing,
displaying and checking data related to the position of earth exterior part. It can reveal different
kinds of information in one map. And it permits an individual to easily understand, see and
analyze relationship and patterns.

With the use of GIS technology, a person can correlate the perimeter of different things in order
to know how they relate to each other. Using the same map with GIS application it can determine
area that is sensitive to pollution like wetlands, place that produces pollution like gas company. It
also help individual to know which location is more at risk.
GIS use any data that have data regarding location. Location can tell in several ways like
longitude and latitude, zip code and address. Using of GIS lot of information types can correlate
and contrast. It includes information population, people education or income level. This also
includes data about lands like its streams location, different kinds of vegetation, and different
kinds of soil. It has the data about sites of farms, factories, roads, storm drains, electric power
lines and institutions.

1. GIS in Mapping: 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. Transportation planning: GIS can be used in managing transportation and logistical

problems. If transport department is planning for a new railway or a road route the this can be
performed by adding environmental and topographical data into the GIS platform. This will
easily output tge best route for the transportation based on the criteria like flattest route, least
damage to habitats and least disturbance from local people. GIS can also help in monitoring rail
system and road conditions.

3. Telecom and network service: GIS can b e a great planning and decision making tool for
telecom industries. GDI GISDATA enables wireless telecommunication organization to
incorporate geographic data in to the complex network design, planning, optimization,
maintenance and activities. This technology allows telecom to enhance a variety of application
like engineering application, customer relationship management and location based services.

4. Accident Analysis and Hot Spot Analysis: GIS can be used as a key tool to minimize
accident hazard on roads, the existing road network has to be optimized and also the road
safety measures have to be improved. This can be achieved by proper traffic management. By
identifying the accident locations, remedial measures can be planned

5. Urban Planning: GIS technology is used to analyze the urban growth and its direction of
expansion, and to find suitable sites for further urban development. In order to identify the
sites suitable for the urban growth, certain factors have to consider which is land should have
proper accessibility, land should be more or less flat, land should be vacant or having low usage
value presently and it should have good supply of water.

6. Environmental Impact Analysis: EIA is an important policy initiative to conserve natural

resources and environment. Many human activities produce potential adverse environmental
effects which include the construction and operation of highways, rail roads, pipelines, airports,
radioactive waste disposal and more. Environmental impact statements are usually required to
contain specific information on the magnitude and characteristic of environmental impact. The
EIA can be carried out efficiently by the help of GIS layers , assessment of natural features can
be performed.

7. Agricultural Application: GIS can be used to create more effective and efficient farming
techniques . It can also analyze soil data and to determine : what are the best crop to plant?.
Where they should go? how to maintain nutrition levels to best benefits crop to plant? It is fully
integrated and widely accepted for helping government agencies to mange programs that
support farmers and protect the environment. This could increase food production in different
parts of the world so the world food crisis could be avoided.

8. GIS Solution in Banking Sector: Today rapid development occurs in the banking sector.
So it has become more market driven and market responsive. The success of this sector largely
depends on the ability of a bank to provide customer and market driven services. GIS plays an
important role providing planning , organizing and decision making.

9. Disaster management and mitigation: Today a well developed GIS systems are used to
protect the environment . It has become an integrated, well developed and successful tool in
disaster management and mitigation. GIS can help with risk management and analysis by
displaying which areas are likely to be prone to natural or man made disasters. When such
disaster are identified, preventive measures can be developed.

10 Land Information system: GIS based land acquisition management system will provide
complete information about the land. Land acquisition management is being used for the past 3
or 4 years only . It would help in assessment, payments for private land with owner details,
tracking of land allotments and possession identification and timely resolution of land
acquisition related issues.

11. Surveying : Surveying is the measurement of location of objects on the earth’s surfaces.
Land survey is measuring the distances and angles between different points on the earth
surface. An increasing number of national and government and regional organizations are using
GNSS measurements. GNSS is used for topographic surveys where a centimeter level accuracy
is provided. These data can be incorporated in the GIS system . GIS tools can be used to
estimate area and also, digital maps can prepared.

12. GIS Application in geology : Geologists use GIS in a various application . The GIS is used
to study geologic features, analyze soils and strata, assess seismic information, and or create
three dimensional (3D) displays of geographic features. GIS can be also used to analyze rock
information characteristics and identifying the best dam site location.

13. Detection of coal Mine Fires: GIS technology is applied in the area of safe production
of coal mine. Coal mine have developed an information management system, the
administrators can monitor the safe production of coal mine and at the same time improve the
abilities to make decision. Fire happens frequently in coal mines . So it can assessed
spontaneous combustion risk using GIS tools
14. Asset Management and Maintenance: GIS help organization to gain efficiency even
in the face of finite resource and the need to hold down the cost. Knowing the population at
risk enables planners to determine where to allocate and locate resources more effectively.
Operations and maintenance staff can deploy enterprise and mobile workforce. GIS build
mobile application that provide timely information in the field faster and more accurate work
order processing.

15. GIS for planning and Community Development: GIS helps us to better understand
our world so we can meet global challenges. Today GIS technology is advancing rapidly,
providing many new capabilities and innovations in planning. By applying known part of science
and GIS to solve unknown part, that helps to enhance the quality of life and achieve a better
future. Creating and applying GIS tools and knowledge allows us integrating geographic
intelligence into how we think and behave

16. Traffic Density Studies: GIS can effectively use for the management of traffic problems.
To day population along with the road traffic is increasing exponentially. The advantage of GIS
make it an attractive option to be used to face the emerging traffic problems. By creating an
extensive database that has all the traffic information such as speed data, road geometry,
traffic flow and other spatial data and processing this information will provide us the graphical
bigger picture for the traffic management.

17. GIS for Business : GIS also used for managing business information based on its location.
GIS can keep a track of where the customers are located, site business, target marketing
campaigns, and optimize sales territories and mode retail spending patterns. Such an added
advantages is provided by the GIS to enhancing in marketing companies more competitive and
successful.

18. Development of Public Infrastructure Facilities: GIS has many uses and advantages
in the field of facility management . GIS can be used by facility managers for space
management, visualization and planning, emergency and disaster planning and response . It can
be used throughout the life cycle of a facility from deciding where to build to space planning .
Also it provides facility better planning and analysis.

19. Location Identification: This technique is used to find a location for a new retail outlet.
It helps to find out what exists at a particular location. A location can be described in many
ways using, for instance, name of place, post code, or geographic reference such as longitude or
latitude or X/y

19. Crime Analysis: GIS is necessary tool for crime mapping in law enforcement agencies
world wide. Crime mapping is a key component of crime analysis. Satellite images can display
important information about criminal activities. The efficiency and the speed Of the GIS analysis
will increase the capabilities of crime fighting.

20. Economic Development : GIS technology is a valuable tool used for the economic
development. It helps in site selection, suitability, analysis and for finding the right sites to
locate new business and grow existing ones. Within economic development , GIS is used to
support the emerging trend of economic gardening, a new way to foster local and regional
economic growth by existing small business in the community .

Why Geographic Information System Needs for Development in

Natural Assessment and Integrated Development planning?

1. GIS Applications at the national level

2. GIS Application at the sub national Level
3. GIS Application at the Local Level
4. Use of a Geo referenced Database

GIS application in natural hazard management and development planning are limited only by
the amount of information available by the imagination of the analyst. Readily available
information on natural events scientific research and hazard mapping are usually enough to
conduct a GIS preliminary evaluation of the natural hazard situation and guide development
planning activities.

At the national level, GIS can be used to provide general familiarization with the study area,
giving the planner a reference to the overall hazard situation and helping to identify areas that
needs further studies to assess the effect of natural hazard on natural resource management
and development potential. Similarly, GIS can be use in hazard assessment at the sub national
level for resource analysis and project identification. At the local level, planners can use a GIS to
formulate investment project and establish specific mitigation strategies for disaster prevention
activities .

1. GIS Application at the National level

Use of a GIS to combine information on natural hazards, natural resources, population, and
infrastructure can help planners identify less hazard prone areas most apt for development
activities, areas where further hazard evaluations are required and areas where mitigation
strategies should be prioritized. A seismic hazard map for example, even at this level, can give
planners the location and extent of areas where heavy capital investments should be avoided
and or areas where activities less susceptible to earthquakes, tsunamis, or volcanoes should be
considered.
Similarly, in hazard prone areas, use of a GIS to overlay hazard information with socio economic
or infrastructure data can reveal the number of people or type of infrastructure at risk. This sort
of exercise was done in 1989 by OAS/DRDE, for several OAS member states. It was shown, for
example, that in Peru more than 15 million people were living in earthquakes prone area with a
seismic intensity potential of VI or greater, that close to 930000 people potentially at risk of a
tsunami wave height of 5 meters or more, and that 650000 people were living within a 30km
radius of active volcanoes. Overlaid with infrastructure information , this same kind of analysis
identified lifelines or vital resources in high risk area and with adequate Sectional information,
it can be further expanded to calculate potential losses in capital investment, employment,
income stream, and foreign exchange earning.

Little time was necessary to produce the maps: two days were required to code, digitize, and
edit the maps, and only minutes were necessary to do the analysis. Moreover, with the
information in the system , additional requests or changes in parameters can be processed in a
few minutes , while an entirely new set of drawing and calculation would be required if manual
techniques were used.

2. GIS Application at the Sub national Level

At a sub national level of planning , GIS technology can be used for natural hazard assessment
to show where hazardous natural phenomena are like to occur. This, combined with
information on natural resources, population, and infrastructure can enable planners to assess
the risk pose by natural hazards and to identify critical elements in high risk area. This
information can then be used to formulate less vulnerable development activities and/or
mitigation strategies to lessen vulnerability to acceptable levels.

3. GIS Application at the Local Level

At this level, GIS can be use in prefeasibility and feasibility sectoral project studies and natural
resources management activities to help planners identify specific mitigation measures for high
risk investment projects and locate vulnerable critical facilities for the implementation of
emergency preparedness and response activities. In population centers, for example, large
scale GIS databases (resolutions of 100 per cell or less) can display the location of high rise
buildings, hospitals, police stations, shelters, fire stations, and other lifelines elements. By
combining these data with the hazard assessment map previously collected or generated
through GIS planners can identify critical resources in high risk areas and adequately formulate
mitigation strategies.

4. Use of a Geo-referenced Database

A geo-referenced database(GRDB) is a microcomputer based program that combines data

management with map display, allowing planners and emergency managers to graphically
display hazard impact areas , and relate them to people and property at risk . Although a GRDB
also uses points , lines and polygonal symbols to represent data , it differs from a GIS in that it
does not have overlaying capabilities. However, GRDB ability to manage and combines large
databases with map display , text relating displayed elements (hazard impact areas , location of
shelters, health centers, fire stations, police, station, etc) to their respective descriptive
information, makes it suitable for emergency planning and post disaster rehabilitation and
reconstruction work.

CONCLUSIONS
The wide array of GIS applications presented in the values of GIS as a tool for natural hazards
management and development planning. As demonstrated, geographic information system can
improve the quality and power of analysis of natural hazard assessment , guide development
activities, and assist planners in the selection of mitigation measures and in the implementation
of emergency preparedness and response action.

As enticing as GIS may look, it is not a suitable tool for all planning application. Much of the
benefit of such an automated systems lie, in the ability to perform repeated spatial calculations.
Therefore, before making the decision to acquire A GIS, planners need to determine what
planning activities could be supported with the system and carefully assess if the amount of
spatial calculations and analysis to be performed justifies automating the process . If only a few
calculations are foreseen , it will probably be more cost effective to rely on local draftsmen to
draw and overlay maps and calculate the results. PC base GIS are the best option for a planning
team. Even so, planners will have to select between scores of available hardware configuration
and software capabilities , price and compatibility . Given the typical financial and technical
constraints that prevail in Latin America and the Caribbean, the hardware configuration must
be simple and affordable. For IBM compatible systems, for example, a standard central
processing unit (CPU), a high resolution monitor , a small digitizer, and an optional color printer
are usually effective enough for a development planning agency needs and can be easily
purchased at affordable prices in most countries of the region. Large and sophisticated
equipment requires more technical skills, is difficult to maintain and repair locally, and the
added capabilities may not be significant for the planning agency needs.

Similarly, there are many GIS software packages to choose from and accordingly a wide variety
of capabilities and price are available. Usually the more expensive the software, the more
powerful the analytical capability, and sophisticated the output option. However, added
capability particularly in the area of cartographic quality output , is not always necessary, and
may not pay for itself. Prices ranges from one hundred to more than fifty thousand U.S dollars .
Although inexpensive systems lack certain features present in more expensive ones, they have
functional capabilities sufficient to meet the basic analysis needs of natural hazard
management activities. It is wise to start with some of these modest systems and later expand
them according to the agency needs.

Other aspects that should be considered are data availability and institutional support. For a GIS
to be effective as planning tool, any problems and difficulties in obtaining data from institution
with different mandates and interests must be resolved . A good understanding for sharing
information between the different agencies involved in collecting , generating, and using data
must be established to insure the dynamic nature of a GIS. One last issue planners will have to
face is the difficulty they will encounter in implementing GIS resuilt. When it comes to
translating GIS results into planning guidelines or mandates , it is not uncommon to see them
rejected for political, economical, or other reasons. This may become more complicated at the
local level. When local data needs are generalized and included in a GIS for a larger area,
conflicts due to peoples detailed knowledge of the area may arise.
Natural hazard management requires cooperation at all levels to be successful. Convincing local
staff and decision makers that the GIS can provide timely, cost effective, and correct
information is a critical step that needs support and attention for every program addressing
natural hazard management issues.