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Errors in GIS

The document discusses errors introduced during processing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), highlighting their potential to compromise data quality and analytical outcomes. It categorizes these errors into types such as digitizing errors, projection and coordinate transformation errors, resampling errors, and topological errors, each with specific characteristics and impacts. Understanding and managing these errors is crucial for ensuring the reliability of GIS analyses and informed decision-making.

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Milon Pradhan
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6 views3 pages

Errors in GIS

The document discusses errors introduced during processing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), highlighting their potential to compromise data quality and analytical outcomes. It categorizes these errors into types such as digitizing errors, projection and coordinate transformation errors, resampling errors, and topological errors, each with specific characteristics and impacts. Understanding and managing these errors is crucial for ensuring the reliability of GIS analyses and informed decision-making.

Uploaded by

Milon Pradhan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Errors in GIS: Errors through processing,

Introduction to Errors Through Processing in GIS


Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become indispensable tools for spatial
analysis and decision-making across numerous disciplines. However, the very processes
that make GIS so powerful - the ability to transform, analyses, and model spatial data - also
introduce potential errors that can compromise data quality and analytical results. These
processing errors represent a critical challenge in geospatial science, as they often
compound existing inaccuracies while creating new ones throughout the data workflow.
The transformation of raw spatial data into meaningful information involves numerous
processing steps, each with its own potential for introducing errors. From initial data
conversions and geometric transformations to complex analytical operations and
visualization, every stage of GIS processing presents opportunities for inaccuracies to
emerge and propagate. These errors can significantly impact the reliability of GIS outputs,
potentially leading to flawed analyses and misguided decisions if not properly identified
and managed.
Processing errors differ from source errors in their systematic nature and their tendency to
accumulate through successive operations. While some processing errors are immediately
apparent, others may remain latent until the final stages of analysis, making them
particularly insidious. The complexity of modern GIS workflows, often involving multiple
software platforms and automated processes, further compounds these challenges.
Understanding processing errors requires examination of both technical and conceptual
dimensions. At the technical level, these errors manifest as geometric distortions,
topological inconsistencies, attribute mismatches, and analytical artifacts. Conceptually,
they raise important questions about data quality, uncertainty propagation, and the limits of
spatial representation. The management of processing errors thus demands not only
technical solutions but also methodological rigor and quality assurance protocols.
This discussion will explore the various types of errors introduced through GIS processing,
their characteristics and impacts, and strategies for their mitigation. By developing a
comprehensive understanding of these errors, GIS practitioners can better ensure the
reliability of their analyses and the validity of their conclusions in an increasingly data-
driven world.

Types of Processing Errors


A. Digitizing Errors
Digitizing errors in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
are inaccuracies or mistakes that occur during the process
of converting analog maps or spatial data into digital
formats. These errors can affect the quality and reliability
of GIS data

1. Sliver Polygons

a) Tiny, narrow polygons created due to slight


misalignment of adjacent polygons.
b) Usually caused by snapping errors or manual digitizing inaccuracies.
2. Overshoots and Undershoots
o Overshoot: When a line extends beyond its intended intersection point.
o Undershoot: When a line stops short of its intended intersection.
3. Node Errors
o Missing nodes or incorrect placement of nodes at line intersections can lead
to topology errors.
o Nodes represent points where lines meet.
4. Dangles
o Lines that do not connect to other lines where they are supposed to.
o Can indicate incomplete data or errors in line connectivity.
5. Gaps Between Polygons
o When adjacent polygons don’t perfectly align, leaving gaps that don’t
represent real-world features.

B Projection and Coordinate Transformation Errors


Once spatial and attribute data have been encoded and edited, it is necessary to process
data geometrically in order to provide a common reference. The data derived from
various sources should be converted in to a common projection before they combined and
analysed. If it not reprojected, data derived from a source map using one projection will
not plot the same location data derived from another source using another projection.
Data derived from different sources may also have different co-ordinate systems. They
may have different origins, units of measurements and orientations. So, it is necessary to
transform it in to a common grid system. It involves some mathematical calculations.

C Resampling Errors
Resampling in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) refers to the process of changing
the spatial resolution of a raster dataset. This involves adjusting the pixel size and
determining new values for the pixels based on various techniques. Resampling is
essential when combining and analysing raster datasets with different resolutions and
projections.
D Topological Errors
In Geographic Information Systems (GIS), topological errors refer to violations of the
spatial relationships that are required for the integrity of vector data. These errors
typically occur when features (points, lines, or polygons) are not properly aligned or
connected, especially in datasets representing spatial networks (like roads or boundaries).
Maintaining correct topology ensures data accuracy and allows for valid spatial analyses.

Common Topological Errors in GIS:

1 Gaps

a. Occurs when adjacent polygons do not share a boundary and leave a space
between them.
b. Common in land parcel datasets or administrative boundaries.
2 Overlaps

a. When two or more polygons share the same space where they should not.
b. Results in double counting of area or incorrect spatial representation.

3 Dangles

a. Line features that do not connect to other lines where they should.
b. Typical in road or utility networks; causes routing issues.

4. Slivers

a. Very small polygons created unintentionally due to slight mismatches between


lines during digitization or overlay operations.
b. Often too small to be meaningful and clutter the dataset.

5Undershoots

Occurs when a line ends short of its intended intersection with another line.

6. Overshoots

Happens when a line extends beyond its intended endpoint.

7. Pseudo-nodes

a. Nodes created where they are not needed—e.g., at the intersection of two lines that
should be continuous.
b. Causes issues in network analysis.

8. Invalid Polygon Geometry

a. Polygons that are self-intersecting or not closed properly.


b. Prevents correct area calculation or rendering.

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