UNIT 3

Applications of Scanners in GIS:

1.Digitizing Topographic Maps:
Scanning paper maps that show landforms, elevation, and natural features to create digital
raster data for GIS analysis.
2.Scanned Aerial and Satellite Imagery:
Converting old aerial photographs or satellite images into digital formats for further GIS
analysis.
3.Creating Digital Elevation Models (DEMs):
Scanning printed contour maps or elevation data to create 3D terrain models, useful for
flood or watershed analysis.
4.Converting Printed Survey Data:
Scanning field survey or land use data to digitize and import it into GIS for analysis.
5.Historical Cartographic Data:
Scanning and digitizing old maps or land records for preservation and analysis in GIS.
Limitations of Using Scanners:
1.Inconvenience:
Hard copy maps may be too large or in remote locations, making it difficult to bring them to
a scanner. Many companies need to send maps to external firms for scanning.
2.Poor Quality Maps:
Some maps may be old, damaged, or of low quality, making them hard to scan effectively.
3.Limited Data on Maps:
If a map has few geographic features, scanning may not be cost-effective or practical.
4.Cluttered Maps:
On busy maps with dense features (e.g., lots of contours or labels), scanners might have
difficulty distinguishing important features from the surrounding details.
5.Text Readability Issues:
Scanning raster images often results in poor clarity for labels or text, making it hard to read
feature names.
6.High Cost: Scanning can be expensive compared to manual digitizing, especially when
considering all the costs involved.
1.Raster Data Input:
Raster data input refers to the process of importing or acquiring raster data into a
Geographic Information System (GIS) or other spatial analysis software for further
processing, analysis, and visualization. Raster data typically comes in the form of grid-based
data, where each cell in the grid holds a value representing some attribute of the area it
covers.
Types of Raster Data Input
1. Remote Sensing Data:
o Satellite imagery and aerial photographs are often used as raster input.
These images contain pixel values representing different features such as
vegetation, water bodies, or urban areas.
2. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs):
o DEM data is commonly used in raster format to represent elevation values
across the landscape. Each cell holds an elevation value for a specific
geographic location.
3. Scanned Maps or Images:
o Physical maps or scanned documents (e.g., topographic maps, land cover
maps) can be converted into raster data using image scanning and
georeferencing techniques.
4. Gridded Data from Surveys:
o Data collected from surveys or sensors (e.g., temperature, rainfall) can be
entered as raster grids. Each value represents a measurement taken over a
fixed spatial unit.
5. Data Conversion from Vector to Raster:
o Vector data (points, lines, polygons) can be converted to raster format using
techniques like rasterization. This process assigns values to cells based on the
vector features’ attributes and location.
Methods of Raster Data Input
1. File Import:
o Raster data can be input by importing standard file formats such as GeoTIFF,
JPEG, PNG, ASCII grid, or HDF into GIS software.
2. Data Download:
o Raster data can be downloaded from various public datasets, such as those
provided by government agencies or research institutions (e.g., USGS, NASA).
3. Direct Data Capture:
 o Some data (e.g., temperature, rainfall) can be directly captured by sensors or
instruments in the field and then stored as raster files for input into GIS.
4. Web Services:
o Raster data can also be accessed via web services like WMS (Web Map
Service) or WCS (Web Coverage Service), which allow raster data to be
streamed into GIS software over the internet.
5. Manual Data Entry:
o In some cases, raster data can be entered manually into a GIS system by
creating grids and populating each cell with appropriate values.
2.Raster Data File Formats:
1.ASCII Raster (.asc)
An ASCII raster is a plain-text format for storing raster data in a grid format. The file
contains rows and columns of numbers, each representing the pixel values of a raster. It
also includes metadata such as cell size, coordinate reference system, and the number of
rows/columns.
2.GeoTIFF (.tif, .tiff)

The GeoTIFF format is one of the most widely used raster formats for geographic
information systems (GIS). It is an extension of the TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
that includes georeferencing information (such as coordinate system, projection, and
resolution) embedded within the file. This allows the raster data to be directly used
in GIS applications without the need for additional metadata files.
3.ERDAS IMAGINE (.img)
The ERDAS IMAGINE format is a proprietary raster format developed by ERDAS Inc.
(now part of Hexagon) primarily used in remote sensing and image processing. It supports
both single-band and multi-band raster data, and is optimized for handling large datasets.
4.JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg)
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a widely used compressed image format.
While not specifically designed for GIS or raster data, it can be used to store raster imagery,
especially when image size reduction is a priority.
5.PNG (.png)
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a raster format commonly used for images with
transparency or where lossless compression is needed. Unlike JPEG, it uses lossless
compression, making it suitable for precise raster data storage.
6.HDF (.hdf)
 HDF (Hierarchical Data Format) is a versatile file format used for the storage and
management of large, complex data. It is commonly used in scientific applications, including
remote sensing and geospatial data.
7.NetCDF (.nc)
NetCDF (Network Common Data Form) is used for the storage of array-oriented data,
particularly in the scientific community. It supports large datasets, such as climate and
oceanographic data.

3.Digitizer:
A digitizer (or graphic tablet) is an input device used in Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) to convert physical maps, drawings, or images into digital format for further
processing and analysis. It is commonly used to digitize geographic features (e.g.,
boundaries, roads, rivers) by manually tracing them.
How a Digitizer Works:
1. Input Surface: The digitizer consists of a flat surface (similar to a drawing board) on
which a physical map or plan is placed.
2. Stylus or Pointer: A stylus or pen-like device is used to trace over the features of the
map.
3. Conversion to Digital: As the stylus moves over the map, the digitizer records its
movement, position, and coordinates. These points are then converted into digital
data (usually vector data).
4. Coordinate Capture: The position of the stylus is captured in terms of x, y
coordinates, allowing the features being traced to be represented as digital vectors
in a GIS system.
Components of a Digitizer:
• Tablet: The flat, sensitive surface where the map or image is placed and traced.
• Stylus/Pen: The tool used by the operator to trace the features on the map. It
records the movements and gestures of the user.
• Software: GIS software that processes the input data, converting the traced features
into usable geographic data formats.
Types of Digitizers:
1. Manual Tablet Digitizer:
o Features: Typically a large, flat surface where the user traces over a physical
map with a stylus.
o Output: Converts physical features (e.g., roads, rivers) into vector data
(points, lines, polygons).
 2. Digitizing Tablet with Automatic Functionality:
o Features: These are often used for higher precision and speed, where the
digitizer tablet may include specialized software for automatic conversion.
o Output: Used for creating detailed maps from existing physical drawings.
3. Coordinate-based Digitizers:
o These digitizers capture the exact coordinates (x, y) of each point as the stylus
moves over the surface.
3.GPS Data Integration:
GPS (Global Positioning System) data integration into a Geographic Information
System (GIS) allows for the precise location and spatial analysis of geographic features based
on real-time positioning data. GPS technology provides accurate location coordinates
(latitude, longitude, and sometimes altitude), which can be used to map out physical
locations and objects within a geographic context.
Types of GPS Data Integrated into GIS:
1. Waypoints:
o Definition: Fixed points with coordinates representing a specific location
(e.g., a building, landmark, or survey point).
o Use: Used to mark important locations like survey markers or points of
interest.
2. Tracks:
o Definition: A series of points that form a path or movement (e.g., a travel
route or hiking trail).
o Use: Helps analyze movement patterns, routes followed by vehicles, or travel
history.
3. Routes:
o Definition: A defined path between waypoints, used for navigation or
planning.
o Use: Used for route planning, navigation, and logistics (e.g., delivery routes).
4. Real-Time GPS Data:
o Definition: GPS data collected during activities in real time (e.g., fieldwork or
mobile tracking).
o Use: Essential for fleet management, asset tracking, and real-time monitoring
in areas like environmental monitoring or disaster response.
Topology refers to the spatial relationships between features in a geographic space, such as
how points, lines, and polygons are connected or related to one another.