spatial GIs

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GST 101
Introduction to Geospatial Technology

2. What is “GIS”?

3. What is GIS?
A GIS is a computer-based system to aid in the
collection, maintenance, storage,
analysis, output, and distribution
of
spatial and non-spatial data and information.

4. GISs are simultaneously the telescope, the
microscope, the computer, and the Xerox machine of
regional analysis and synthesis of spatial data.
(Ron Abler, 1988)

5. GIS as an Umbrella
Data
Methods Software
Hardware
Network

6. What Falls Under the GIS Umbrella?
•Spatial Data Services
•Spatial Data Analysis
•Map Making
•Data Collection
•Programming
•…and much, much more

7. The Six Parts of a GIS

8. Six Parts of a GIS
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Data
4. Methods
5. People
6. Network

9. Hardware
• Powerful computers
• Printing/Plotting and other visualization capabilities
• Input devices
• Large amounts of disk space

10. Software
• Provides tools to:
• Manipulate
• Store
• Query
• Analyze
• There are many free and commercial software
packages.
Spatial Information

11. Data
• A GIS can ingest any type of data
• Both spatial and non-spatial
• We are currently in “Data Overload”
• Visualizing data helps humans weed through it all
• Half of all time spent on a GIS projects will simply
be working with data

12. Methods
• Formulas
• Statistics
• Analysis
• Algorithms

13. People
• Skilled GIS Professionals
• Skilled GIS Users
• Novice GIS Users
• .
• .
• .
• Public Users
?

14. Network
• Dissemination of data
• Transfer datasets
• Collaboration
• Display of information
• Web maps
• Web Applications

15. How can GIS be used?

16. Select Examples of GIS in Use
• Cadastral Information
• Deliveries
• Military
• Farming
• Wildlife Mapping
• Disaster Management
• Infrastructure
• Decision Support
• 3D Analysis
• Mapping
• Redistricting
• Health
• Data Mining
• Natural Resources

18. Thinking about Space

19. Fundamental Concepts of Spatial Analysis
• Space
• Location
• Distance

20. Space can be measured in
absolute, relative, and cognitive terms.

21. Absolute space
• Can be thought
of as
mathematical
space
• It involves the
precise
measurement
of location
(x,y,z)

22. Topological space
• Can be thought
of as relative
space
• Such as the
connectivity
between
locations

23. Cognitive space
Reflects people’s
beliefs
experiences
perceptions
about places

24. Fundamental Concepts of Spatial Analysis
• Space
• Location
• Distance

25. Location
• Absolute - Latitude/longitude
• Relative – Site and situation
• Cognitive - Place name
• Nominal - “Where were you when…?”

26. Absolute Location
Latitude/longitude

27. Location
• Absolute - Latitude/longitude
• Relative – Site and situation
• Cognitive - Place name
• Nominal - “Where were you when…?”

28. Relative Location
Relative location can be measured using site and
situation.

29. Site and Situation
Physical attributes of a
place (location)
E.g., terrain, soil,
vegetation, water
sources, built
environment, etc.
Location of a place
relative to other
places and
human activities
E.g., 80 miles from
Atlanta, near raw
materials, far from job
opportunities, etc.

30. Location
• Absolute - Latitude/longitude
• Relative – United States Public Land Survey
Metes and Bounds
• Cognitive - Place name
• Nominal - “Where were you when…?”

31. Cognitive Location
Cognitive location refers to the personal cognitive images of
places and regions compiled from personal knowledge,
experiences, and impressions

32. Location
• Absolute - Latitude/longitude
• Relative – United States Public Land Survey
Metes and Bounds
• Cognitive - Place name
• Nominal - “Where were you when…?”

33. Systems of measuring and representing location
(absolute, relative, nominal) are
CULTURAL SYSTEMS which are embedded in
different cultures and worldviews and can become
inscribed in landscapes

34. Fundamental Concepts of Spatial Analysis
• Space
• Location
• Distance

35. Distance
• Absolute - physical units of measure
• Relative - time, effort or cost
• Cognitive - perceived

36. “Everything is related to everything else, but near
things are more related to each other”
- Waldo Tobler
(Professor Emeritus, UCSB, Dept. of Geography)