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Components of Gis

The document outlines the five key components of a Geographic Information System (GIS): hardware, software, data, people, and methods, each serving distinct roles in GIS operations. It further explains the functions of major hardware components, such as the CPU, main memory, and storage devices, as well as the differences between system and application software. Additionally, it distinguishes between positional data, which identifies exact locations, and relational data, which describes relationships between entities.

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7 views6 pages

Components of Gis

The document outlines the five key components of a Geographic Information System (GIS): hardware, software, data, people, and methods, each serving distinct roles in GIS operations. It further explains the functions of major hardware components, such as the CPU, main memory, and storage devices, as well as the differences between system and application software. Additionally, it distinguishes between positional data, which identifies exact locations, and relational data, which describes relationships between entities.

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latibaka
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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WEEK 9: COMPONENTS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM

Learning Objectives:
i. Identify components of GIS
ii. Explain the uses of each components of GIS
iii. Distinguish between positional and relational data.

CONTENT: COMPONENTS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM


A working GIS integrates these five key components: hardware, software, data, people and
methods.

1. Hardware: Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that a Geographic


Information System (GIS) runs on.
GIS can work on different types of computers, from large central servers to personal
desktop computers.
These computers can be stand-alone (used individually) or networked (connected to other
computers for sharing data).

2. GIS software is the program that helps store, analyze, and display geographic
information. It provides the tools needed to work with maps and spatial data.
Key Components of GIS Software:
i. Database Management System (DBMS) – Stores and organizes geographic data.
ii. Input and Editing Tools – Helps enter and modify geographic information.
iii. Analysis and Visualization Tools – Allows users to search, analyze, and display
geographic data in different ways.
iv. Graphical User Interface (GUI) – Makes it easy to use GIS tools through
menus and icons.

3. Data: Data is the most important part of a Geographic Information System (GIS) because
it provides the information needed for analysis. Geographic data (maps, locations,
coordinates) and tabular data (facts, numbers, and details about locations) are used in
GIS.
This data can be collected by an organization or bought from data providers.
Most GIS systems use a Database Management System (DBMS) to store, organize, and
manage the data properly.

4. People: GIS technology is useless without people to operate and apply it. GIS specialists
design, maintain, and manage the system. GIS users apply the system in different fields,
such as urban planning, environmental management, and business decision-making.

5. Method: For a GIS to work well, it needs a clear plan and set of rules. Every organization
has its own way of using GIS based on its goals. These methods include the models,
procedures, and best practices that guide how GIS is used.
HARDWARE COMPONENTS AND THEIR USES
Functions of the major hardware components in a computer system: The main function of a
computer system is to process information. An example operation done using a computer is to
create a document. The processing of this information goes through a set of phases, each of these
phases requires its own set of devices.
The major hardware components of a computer system work together to process information
through several phases:
1. Input Phase: Data is entered into the computer system using input devices like a
keyboard or mouse.
2. Processing Phase (CPU): The data is processed by the Central Processing Unit (CPU),
where computations or changes are made.
3. Main Memory: While the document is being worked on, it is temporarily stored in the
computer's main memory (RAM) for quick access.
4. Secondary Storage: The document is saved to secondary storage (e.g., hard drive or
cloud) for future use.
5. Output Phase: The final document is outputted either on the screen or printed.
Each phase is supported by specific hardware components to ensure smooth processing of
information.
MAJOR HARDWARE COMPONENTS
The major hardware components of a computer can be broadly categorized as
1. CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the core component of a computer, often
referred to as the "brain" of the system. It carries out instructions from computer programs
and performs key operations such as arithmetic, logical, and input/output tasks.

The CPU consists of two main parts:


i. Control Unit (CU): This part directs the operations of the computer by
instructing other components of the system on how to carry out program
instructions. It essentially manages and coordinates the activities of the entire
computer.
ii. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU is responsible for performing
mathematical calculations (like addition or subtraction) and logical operations
(such as comparisons or decisions).

Together, the CU and ALU enable the CPU to process information and execute tasks.

2. Main Memory, also known as Primary Storage or Immediate Access Storage, is a type of
volatile memory directly accessible by the CPU. It is used to store data that the CPU is
actively working on or processing.
The CPU continuously reads instructions and data from the main memory and executes them
as needed. However, the information in the main memory is temporary, it is lost when the
computer is powered off, as the memory is volatile.
3. Secondary Storage is a type of storage that is not directly accessible by the CPU. Unlike
primary memory, which the CPU can access directly, secondary storage requires the use of
input/output channels to transfer data through an intermediate area in primary storage.
The key difference is that secondary storage is non-volatile, meaning it retains data even
when the computer is powered off, unlike main memory. Common examples of secondary
storage devices include the hard drive, flash drive, and memory card. These devices
provide long-term data storage and are essential for saving files and programs for future use.

4. Input and Output Devices: Input devices are hardware peripherals used to send data or
instructions to the computer. These devices allow users to interact with the system and input
information. Examples of input devices include the mouse, keyboard, touch screen,
scanner, trackpad, microphone, joystick, and web camera.
Output Devices, on the other hand, are hardware components that communicate the results
of the computer's data processing to the outside world. These devices allow users to see or
hear the processed information. Common output devices include the speaker, printer,
monitor, and plotter.

SOFTWARE COMPONENTS AND THEIR USES


System Software is a type of software that works directly with a computer’s hardware to
enable it to function. It sits on top of the hardware (referred to as "bare metal") and acts as an
intermediary between the user and the hardware.
Key components of system software include:
1. Operating System: The core software that manages
hardware, software, and provides essential services like
file management, security, and user interface. Examples
include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
2. Device Drivers: Software that allows the operating
system to communicate with and control hardware
devices like printers, keyboards, or graphics cards.
3. Linkers and Debuggers: Tools used for managing and
troubleshooting software programs. Linkers help combine code into executable programs,
while debuggers help identify and fix errors in programs.
System software is designed for the computer system itself to manage resources and allow
all hardware and software components to work together effectively, rather than for direct use
by human users.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE DEFINED
Application Software is software designed for end-users to perform specific tasks or activities.
Unlike system software, which manages the computer's hardware and resources, application
software is used directly by people to accomplish particular goals.
Application software sits on top of system software and cannot function without the underlying
operating system and utilities.

Examples of application software include:


i. Database programs (like Microsoft
Access)
ii. Word processors (like Microsoft Word)
iii. Spreadsheets (like Microsoft Excel)
iv. Email applications (like Outlook)
v. Computer games
vi. Graphics programs (like Adobe
Photoshop)
People often refer to application software simply as "software," as it is the type of software most
commonly used by everyday users.
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN POSITIONAL AND RELATIONAL DATA
Positional Data and Relational Data are two types of data with different focuses and
applications:
Positional Data: This refers to data that identifies the precise location of a device or object. It is
often used in geospatial contexts, such as GPS data, to determine the exact position of something
on the Earth's surface. For example, the coordinates of a device (latitude and longitude) or the
location of a landmark are considered positional data.
Relational Data: This type of data describes the relationships or connections between entities. It
focuses on how different actors or objects are related to each other, often as a result of their
interactions or associations. Examples of relational data include relationships like friendship,
boss/subordinate, project team membership, or group association.
ASSIGNMENT
1. Define Human ware and processes involved in building them.
2. Distinguish between positional and relational data.

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