Applications of GIS

Applications of GIS

[Date of Submission]

Introduction3

Discussion4

Understanding of the Geographical Elements of Collected Data4

The Analysis of the Current Usage of GIS5

The Development, History and Data Handling of GIS6

Examples of GIS7

Examples of Geographically Expresses Data, their Usage and Origins8

Conclusion9

Applications of GIS

Introduction

In order to assess, analyse and map real-world problem, a technological field that with tabular data incorporates geographical features, is known as, Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In different disciplines and areas, the definitions of a GIS have evolved. Mattering the space, the linkage between maps and the spatial data and its recognition, is common in every definitions of GIS (Maguire & Et.al, 1991, pp. 9). A computer-based link between map information and database is comprised by a GIS. Some portion of the data is spatial, it relates to the word 'Geography', which is a keyword to this technology.

Thus, we can say that 'locations on earth' is related to geography. Attribute data is the tabular data which is coupled with this data and in general can be defined as supplementary data about each of the spatial features. An understanding about, types of spatial analyses and their correct timing for use, methods of obtaining data, exposure to geo-spatial terminology and technology, data quality in terms of precision and accuracy, data types, basic cartography, data sources, types of GIS data, how to collect elementary spatial analysis and data, and projections, is involved by the fundamentals of GIS (Wright & Et.al, 1997, pp. 346).

For example, Schools - spatial data is the actual location of the schools, whereas attribute data comprises of student capacity, level of education taught and the school name. Through spatial analysis, in order to make GIS an effective problem solving tool, partnership of these two data types must be enabled (Clarke & Et.al, 1996, p. 85). There are many levels on which GIS operates. Computer cartography is the first use of the geographic information systems, on the most basic level and which is also used for straight forward mapping. To analyse geographic and attribute information, through statistical and spatial methods, the real power of GIS is used. Prioritized information, interpolated information and derivative information can be the result of the analysis.

Discussion

Understanding of the Geographical Elements of Collected Data

In understanding GIS, it is necessary to observe its applications and work in every area. People, data, software and hardware are the components of GIS. To support the many activities required for geospatial analysis ranging to data analysis from data collection, the equipment needed for such process is comprised by the hardware. Workstation is the central piece of equipment, which is the attachment point for ancillary equipment and runs the GIS software (Pundt & Bishr, 2002, pp. 95). To collect data in the field, the requirement for a GPS data logger and for conversion of hard copy data to digital data, the use of a digitizer can also be required by the data collection efforts. In GIS, for data collection tool, the use of handheld field technology is also becoming ...