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Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

This presentation provides an overview of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including its key components, characteristics, and benefits. It also explores the applicability of GIS in various sectors and showcases an example of GIS use in transportation. Suitable for individuals, government agencies, NGOs, teaching institutions, and businesses in Jamaica.

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Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

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  1. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS PRESENTATION 1 to Natural History Division, Institute of Jamaica By Suzanne Davis & Alfreco Johnson Natural History Division, Institute of Jamaica January 2003

  2. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS(GIS) • GIS:- a computer-based tool used and managed by people to efficiently capture, store, integrate, analyze and display spatial (geographically referenced) data & associated attribute data. Key components: • Hardware (computer) • Software (storage, editing, analysis and display programmes) • * Data (spatial and descriptive or attribute) • People (applicators of tool to problems) • Procedures (based on plans/protocols/models unique to each organization)

  3. GIS Characteristics • A powerful mapping system that links locations to attribute data so you can: • Present different types of information (ecological, social, educational, etc.) as maps • Analyze locations and associated data/information • Easily and efficiently update of spatial information (maps) • Integrate maps with information from a variety of sources

  4. Why Use GIS? • Offersadvanced data managementcapabilities for handling complex or various datasets linked to locations • Allowsimproved research and planning activitiesby integrating data and information from different sources to produce a ‘wholistic’ picture. • Facilitates colourful media presentations foreasier interpretation of technical data & informationby technical (e.g. scientists) and non-technical personnel (e.g. managers, policy-makers)

  5. Spatial Data • SPATIAL DATA:- • a precise geographic location • a distance or length referenced by geographic coordinates or • an area that has measured boundaries referenced by geographic coordinates. Examples: maps & charts, surveyor records, building plans and satellite images points lines polygons

  6. Benefits of Spatial Data • Databases for taxonomic collections & field data have added value if the records include spatial data. • Data on location or space is critical to understanding ecological patterns or natural phenomena If the same collecting methodology is used in the same geographic location periodically, it is assumed that detected trends or changes in wildlife occurrence and distribution reflects trends or changes that may have taken place in that environment or in ecological interactions. • Spatial databases allow more efficient forecasting for businesses, land developers, education and research personnel, etc.

  7. Applicabilityof a GIS • GIS can be used in just about any situation where there is a spatial component and the composite features of the same space can be separated to form layers. • What is a Map Layer?A layer is an abstraction of a single feature from a spatial area represented on a map. This is where one feature is pulled from a geographic area and made to stand alone.

  8. Some Sectors in which GIS is widely used • Transportation (Highway system)Whether monitoring bus systems and road conditions, finding the best way to deliver goods and services, tracking fleet vehicles, or maintaining transportation networks • Education A GIS allows students and researchers to ask and answer geographic questions by designing and analyzing maps using user-selected criteria. • EngineeringGIS provides the pipeline operator with improved capability to manage pipeline integrity, improved efficiencies in pipeline operations, and improved response to business development opportunities. • CommunicationLocation-based services combine GIS applications with easy-to-use mobile devices to provide information wherever and whenever it is needed.

  9. GIS Sectors (cont.) • BusinessUsed in banking and insurance for more precise targeting of customers in marketing exercises • Health and Human Services Understanding issues ranging from epidemiology to access to healthcare providers requires understanding the geographic context of health issues. • Natural Resources Monitoring & Environmental Management Geography provides the framework to acquire, develop, and interpret the complex spatial and tabular datasets used for mining and the earth sciences. Mapping, spatial concepts, and time/space operations technology is absolutely essential to effective mining.

  10. Example of GIS Use in TransportationLand Coverage of the United States

  11. Major Highway Coverage(Highway Layer)

  12. Highway layer superimposed with land coverage

  13. United States Cities locations superimposed with highways

  14. Who Uses GIS in Jamaica? • Individuals • Government agencies(e.g. Forestry Department, National Environment & Planning Agency, Urban Development Corporation) • Non-government organizations(e.g. Jamaica Conservation Development Trust, the Nature Conservancy – Jamaica) • Teaching & research institutions(e.g. University of Technology, University of the West Indies) • Business enterprises & consultancies(e.g. Spatial Innovision

  15. Processing of Maps There are Two primary stages in the processing of Maps: • Digitizing and Formatting • Adding Attributes and Values

  16. Digitizing and Formatting Digitizing is the process of assigning digital coordinates by physically or automatically tracing hard copy documents. Primarily used for converting paper maps or aerial photos into digital form.

  17. Picture of a digitizing board Map or image is secured to board and important reference points are matched Important features of map are then traced with digitizing mouse by clicking the mouse

  18. Digital references are then made to all polygons in digitized image

  19. Further formatting of the digitized image is done

  20. Finished Product

  21. Adding Attributes and Values of Features Attributes are descriptive characteristics of the features of a spatial entity. Attributes take the form of: Measurements – height, distance, intensity, etc Classifications – Acidic, alkaline, residential, etc. Quality – good, bad, satisfactory, A, B, C, etc

  22. ArcInfo Most comprehensive GIS available Defines spatial relationships between connecting or adjacent coverage features Provides GIS data creation (e.g. digitizing), updating, mapping, querying and analysis Arc View Most popular desktop GIS and mapping software Provides data visualization, querying, analysis, and integration capabilities along with the ability to create and edit geographic data. GIS Software

  23. AfricaCountries and lakes represented as polygons & rivers represented as lines

  24. AfricaNorthern rivers selected (in yellow)

  25. AfricaResult of a query to find out what countries the northern rivers traverse (in yellow)

  26. AfricaCountry of Gabon Selected (in yellow)

  27. AfricaCountries within 1000 miles of Gabon having rivers

  28. The EndThank You

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