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How to Pick a GIS

How to Pick a GIS. Getting Started With GIS Chapter 8. 8 How to Pick a GIS. 8.1 The Evolution of GIS Software 8.2 GIS and Operating Systems 8.3 GIS Software Capabilities 8.4 GIS Software and Data Structures 8.5 Choosing the Best GIS. Preconceptions again….

james-conner
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How to Pick a GIS

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  1. How to Pick a GIS Getting Started With GIS Chapter 8

  2. 8 How to Pick a GIS 8.1 The Evolution of GIS Software 8.2 GIS and Operating Systems 8.3 GIS Software Capabilities 8.4 GIS Software and Data Structures 8.5 Choosing the Best GIS

  3. Preconceptions again…. • How big a difference is there in functionality among the many various GIS software packages on the market? • A=No difference at all • E=No commonality at all

  4. In twenty years time (2028) a GIS will cost? • A. $10,000 • B. $1,000 • C. $100 • D. $10 • E. Nothing

  5. If I get hired as GIS analyst: • A. I would be completely uninvolved in choosing software, they already use ArcGIS • B. I could leave the ads on my boss’s desk • C. My advice may be sought on a choice of software • D. My advice would be sought and used in choosing software • E. I would have to make a choice of what to purchase on my first day, with zero guidance

  6. Choosing the GIS • GIS users need to be aware of different GIS software products during system selection and beyond • OpenGIS (OGC) standards have led to a new generation of choices for software • Informed choice is the best way to select the best GIS

  7. Functionality • What functions must GIS perform? • What functions can it perform? • What software has what functions? • First management step is often to make a requirements matrix: needs vs. capabilities

  8. A functional definition of GIS • A GIS is often defined not for what it is but for what it can do. • If the GIS does not match the requirements for a problem, no GIS solution will be forthcoming. • A GIS may have overcapacity.

  9. GIS as a toolbox… • How did functions develop over time? • What are the differences among software packages? • What are any given packages strengths and weaknesses? • What other factors come into play, cost, training, maintenance, robustness, etc.

  10. GIS software in 1979 • A historical GIS “snapshot” was the IGC survey conducted in 1979 • In the 1979 survey, most GISs were sets of loosely linked FORTRAN programs performing spatial operations • Computer mapping programs had evolved GIS functionality

  11. GIS in the 1980s • spreadsheet was ported to the microcomputer, allowing “active” data • relational DBMS evolved as the leading means for database management • single integrated user interface • degree of device independence • led to the first true GIS software

  12. GIS in the 90s • used graphical user interfaces and the desktop/WIMP model • Unix workstations integrated GIS with the X-windows GUI • GISs began to use the OS GUI instead of their own • PCs integrated GIS with the variants of Windows and other OSs

  13. X windows and the GUI

  14. GIS in the 2000s • Mobile systems • Web-based extensions • Distributed systems and data • Most software now object-oriented • New competition: OpenSource • Web services • Location-based services

  15. Trends still under way • Open Source development tools now ubiquitous, e.g. geotools libraries • GoogleEarth, Virtual Earth, etc. • Mash-up solutions

  16. The “critical six” functional capabilities • data capture • storage • management • retrieval • analysis • display

  17. Data capture functions • digitizing • scanning • mosaicing • editing • generalization • topological cleaning

  18. Steps in mosaicing

  19. Rubber sheeting

  20. Line generalization

  21. Storage functions • compression • metadata handling • control via macros or languages • format support

  22. Compression • By data structure • quad trees • run length encoding • By data format • compressed TIF • jpeg • By physical compression • digit handling

  23. Data management functions • physical model support • DBMS • address matching • masking • cookie cutting

  24. Cookie cutting

  25. Data retrieval functions • locating • selecting by attributes • buffering • map overlay • map algebra

  26. Map algebra

  27. Data analysis functions • interpolation • optimal path selection • geometric tests • slope calculation

  28. Interpolation ?

  29. Data display functions • desktop mapping • interactive modification of cartographic elements • graphic file export

  30. Functions and Operating Systems • What system(s) are supported? • How well does system engage OS? • How extensive is OS-based support? (e.g. Wizards, forums) • Where is the OS-framed help? Virtual organizations • How efficient is the combination?

  31. iClickers at the readyGoogle (“Geographic information system”) • A. 1,690,000 • B. 1,231,198 • C. 900,121 • D. 512, 761 • E. 423,859

  32. iClickers at the readyGoogle (Geographic information system) • A. 11,300,000 • B. 5,101,431 • C. 1,876,521 • D. 512, 761 • E. 423,859

  33. Functional capabilities are by-products of data structure • Raster systems work best in forestry, photogrammetry, remote sensing, terrain analysis, and hydrology. • Vector systems work best for land parcels, census data, precise positional data, and networks.

  34. Vector • Precision intact • Used when individual coordinates are important • More concise spatial description • Assumes feature model of landscape • Easy to transform data e.g. map projections

  35. Raster • Better for field data • Used by most imaging systems • Can be compressed • Easy to display and analyze • Many common formats • However, most systems now use both • Raster layer often backdrop-onscreen editing

  36. System selection • Research available systems • Build functional capabilities matrix • Plan needs and build needs/requirements matrix • Match functions against needs • Score and rank • Select, implement

  37. The Big Eight • Form the bulk of operational GIS in professional and educational environments • There are some significant differences among these “big eight” systems • Major differences in the most commonly packages by nation: Asia, South America, Europe

  38. ArcGIS ESRI Redlands, CA Market leader PC and workstation remarkable functionality many formats supported

  39. ArcPad Mobile GIS Designed for GPS and PDA Developer package Uses Windows CE IkeGPS

  40. AutoCAD MAP Windows all versions SQL DBF Access Extension to AutoCAD Menu-based Massive installed base Added grid, projection & topology support DB links good. 3D links good

  41. GRASS First UNIX GIS Developed by Army Corps of Engineers UNIX functionality Many unique functions Free until recently Many data sets Baylor University now supports

  42. IDRISI Developed at Clark University, Worcester MA Original in PASCAL, with open code Development uses a specialty Windows/DOS Spatial analysis/stats extensions

  43. Maptitude Caliper Corporation Consultancy TRANSCAD and GIS+ Many network solutions Windows Import/Export Address matching

  44. GeoMedia CAD software with GIS extensions Intergraph Corp, Huntsville AL Uses Windows NT Many parcel applications Web extensions, server tools etc.

  45. MapInfo Based in Troy, NY Mapping functions Uses Visual Basic Many applications Favored for 911, field

  46. 2007 entry: Manifold

  47. 2008 Entry: uDig • Open source desktop GIS application framework, distributed under the LGPL license • Ability to view, edit and print files, database (Oracle, SDE, PostGIS) and Web Feature Servers (WFS) • An industry-standard extension framework (RCP) for adding new functionality to the application. • Java functionality • Native support for Windows, Mac OS/X and Linux. • Developed by a world-wide community of contributors, with an open process and transparent decision making

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