Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer-based tools used to capture, store, analyze, and display spatial data and its attributes. GIS aids in various sectors, including transportation, education, and health, by providing advanced data management capabilities and facilitating improved decision-making through visual presentations. The document covers the importance of spatial data, GIS applications, and software tools for effective data integration and analysis.

1. GEOGRAPHIC
INFORMATION
SYSTEMS
Swisstrack GPS Erfahrungen

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:
1. Hardware (computer)
2. Software (storage, editing, analysis and display
programmes)
3. * Data (spatial and descriptive or attribute)
4. People (applicators of tool to problems)
5. 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?
 Offers advanced data management capabilities for
handling complex or various datasets linked to
locations
 Allows improved research and planning activities
by integrating data and information from different
sources to produce a ‘wholistic’ picture.
 Facilitates colourful media presentations for easier
interpretation of technical data & information by
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. Applicability of 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.
 Engineering
GIS provides the pipeline operator with improved capability to
manage pipeline integrity, improved efficiencies in pipeline
operations, and improved response to business development
opportunities.
 Communication
Location-based services combine GIS applications with easy-
to-use mobile devices to provide information wherever and
whenever it is needed.

9. GIS Sectors
 Business
Used 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 Transportation
Land Coverage

11. Major Highway Coverage
(Highway Layer)

12. Highway layer superimposed with
land coverage

13. 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. GIS Software
 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.

23. Thank You