Geographical Information System

What is geographical information system?

GIS is a collection of computer hardware,
software, data, people and processes
designed to capture, store, update,
manipulate, analyse and display spatially
referenced data.
 Geographical Information System
Components of GIS:
B. Hardware
C. Software
A. Data
D. people
processes
Geographical Information System
Components of GIS:
 Geographical Information System
Functional elements of GIS:
capture, store, update, manipulate and
analyse spatially referenced data
Geographical Information System
Two types of data in GIS.
Spatial data refers to the shape and
the location of geographical features.
Attribute data refers to the
characteristics of geographic features
Geographical Information System
Two ways or methods for storing data in GIS.
Vector data refers to the representation of
an area using points, lines and polygons
Vector data refers to the representation of
an area using points, lines and polygons
Two ways or methods for storing data in GIS.

Rasta data refers to the representation of an

area using grid cells or pixels.
Rasta data refers to the representation of an
area using grid cells or pixels.

Orthophoto Map
PROCESSES IN GIS
processes when working with GIS:
• Data input
• Data storage
• Data analysis
• Output information
• Data management
• Data application
Sources of information for GIS
Remote sensing – aerial photos and
satellite images
Survey data – roads, railways, altitude
Census data
Measure data e.g. rainfall,
temperature, air pressure ect.
Other maps
 Sources of information for GIS
Primary data refers to first hand
observations and measurements.
Surveying, GPS points, measurements,
tests, sketch maps, census
 Sources of information for GIS
Secondary data
refers to existing data measured and
captured by another Organisation.
Topographic maps, satellite images,
attribute data in tables, models,
newspaper articles
 Sources of information for GIS
Secondary data
refers to existing data measured and
captured by another Organisation.
Topographic maps, satellite images,
attribute data in tables, models,
newspaper articles
How can GIS be used to assist with the location of a
business

• Find information about other existing businesses

• Find the total population in order to analyse the
potential market
• Find financial statistics that show growth
• Determine income of people in order to establish
whether business will be feasible
How can GIS be used to assist with the location of a
business
• Determine demand for business
• Work out routes for deliveries
• Find ideal location for business
• Determine crime hotspot areas
REMOTE SENSING
Remote sensing is the observation of
the earth from a distance through
satellites or aeroplanes.
REMOTE SENSING
Remote sensing is used to study
landscapes, ecosystems, hydrology,
atmosphere, climatic change,
human development and the impact
of humans on the environment.
 TYPES OF REMOTE SENSING
Passive sensors are sensors that
measure reflected sunlight emitted
from the sun
TYPES OF REMOTE SENSING
Active sensors are sensors that send
light to their targets and measure the
reflected energy back to them.
ADVANTAGES OF REMOTE SENSING
Data can be collected for inaccessible
areas.
Large areas can be captured as images
They can be delivered quickly
They are consistent images over time
Active sensors can be used during the
night or cloudy days
 Geographical Information Systems
Remote sensing images
DATA BASE
Data base is a collection of data organized for use in
computers
DATA LAYERING /THEMATIC
Refers to the Placing of one map on top of another
to see the relationship between different sets of
data.
USES OF LAYERING /THEMATIC
Different sets of data can be compared.
Relationships between different sets of data can be
established. Analysing different sets of information.
Comparisons can assist with future developments.
DATA INTEGRATION
The integration of data from different maps into
one map which summarises the overlaying process
Problems experienced with data integration
prior to the introduction of GIS.

Maps have different scales

Different map projections are used on
maps
Different georeferenced maps are used
Of what importance is data integration to a
geographer?

A summary of integrated data is produced

which makes it easier to analyse data
 Buffering
Buffering is a process of demarcating an area
around a feature
Say there is a law which states that no natural
vegetation may be taken out within a specific
distance from rivers; buffers can be drawn to identify
these areas. No farming or development may take
place within this area. Buffers can be drawn around
points and lines, but also inside a polygon at
different distances.
 Data manipulation

Data Manipulation is When data is

processed and converted into
useful information .
e.g. correcting distortions
and sharpening definitions
Why is it necessary to manipulate data in a database?

Correct distortions
Sharpen definition
Ensure colour consistency
Correct latitude and longitude registration
Makes data more manageable
 Statistical Analysis
Statistical Analysis refers to Interpreting the various
forms of statistics in relation to a query
 Data standardisation
Data standardisation means to make
the data similar to other data set so
allow data sharing.
Querying: to investigate the data
and find answers about specific parts
of the dataset
 Data sharing
Data sharing: to make data available
for other users to access.
Data security: to ensure that data is
safe from tampering and anybody do
not have access to sensitive data
Backing up data for disaster recovery is
also an important part of data security.
 WHAT IS RESOLUTION

pictures than a camera with 2,0 megapixels

Because it is a higher resolution camera
High resolution pictures have more pixels.
Spatial Resolution - The detail
with which a map shows the
location and shape of geographic
features
• Availability of water
• Fertility of soil
• Relief of the land (slope)
• Microclimate
• Access to infrastructure
• Access to transport