GIS_Intro

30 October 200430 October 2004 Theodore A. Samuels, B.Tech.Theodore A. Samuels, B.Tech. 11
Introduction toIntroduction to
Geographic InformationGeographic Information
Systems (GIS)Systems (GIS)
Theodore A. Samuels,Theodore A. Samuels,
B.Tech.B.Tech.
GIS Applications SpecialistGIS Applications Specialist

30 October 2004 Theodore A. Samuels, B.Tech. 2
““MacGyverism”MacGyverism”
I’m not trying to beI’m not trying to be
mysterious about it;mysterious about it;
It’s just that what I do isIt’s just that what I do is
tough to explain.tough to explain.
TV’sTV’s MacGyverMacGyver,,
Troubleshooter/Adventurer,Troubleshooter/Adventurer,
1985.1985.

OverviewOverview
► WhatWhat is a GIS?is a GIS?
► WhyWhy is GIS technology important?is GIS technology important?
► WhenWhen have there been advanceshave there been advances inin
GIS technology?GIS technology?
► WhoWho creates GIS software & applications?creates GIS software & applications?
► WhereWhere are GIS applications used?are GIS applications used?
► HowHow can one learn more about GIS?can one learn more about GIS?
► SummarySummary
► ResourcesResources

My First “GIS” EncounterMy First “GIS” Encounter
(c. 1974)(c. 1974)
Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, CanadaOntario Science Centre, Toronto, Canada
““35 years of Innovation” (1969-2004)35 years of Innovation” (1969-2004)

WhatWhat is a GIS?is a GIS?
► AA computer database system,computer database system, capable of collecting,capable of collecting,
storing, retrieving, analyzing & presenting datastoring, retrieving, analyzing & presenting data
which are referenced by locationwhich are referenced by location
► Links information aboutLinks information about where things arewhere things are withwith
information aboutinformation about what things are like.what things are like.
► Consists of:Consists of:
 Spatial (geographic) dataSpatial (geographic) data
 Computer hardware & softwareComputer hardware & software
 Operating proceduresOperating procedures
 PersonnelPersonnel

What isWhat is NotNot a GIS?a GIS?
► A Static MapA Static Map
(Paper/Digital)(Paper/Digital)
 Is often aIs often a productproduct
(output) of a GIS(output) of a GIS
 May be aMay be a datadata sourcesource
(input) of a GIS when(input) of a GIS when
scanned/digitizedscanned/digitized
 Lacks the dynamic,Lacks the dynamic,
interactive capabilities ofinteractive capabilities of
a GIS, which allow usersa GIS, which allow users
to retrieve informationto retrieve information
and choose mapand choose map
features to be displayedfeatures to be displayed

What isWhat is NotNot a GIS?a GIS?
(continued)(continued)
► Remote SensingRemote Sensing (Aerial & Satellite Imaging)(Aerial & Satellite Imaging)
& Global Positioning Systems& Global Positioning Systems (GPS)(GPS)
 May beMay be data sourcesdata sources (input) of a GIS(input) of a GIS
 Lack the capabilities of a GIS to analyze &Lack the capabilities of a GIS to analyze &
present informationpresent information
Venice, Italy Great Lakes

WhyWhy is GIS Technologyis GIS Technology
Important?Important?
► Map-MakingMap-Making
(Cartography)(Cartography)
 Can create mapsCan create maps
centered oncentered on anyany
location,location, atat any scale,any scale,
atat anytime,anytime, forfor anyoneanyone
 Can showCan show selectedselected
information,information, symbolizedsymbolized
effectivelyeffectively toto highlighthighlight
specific featuresspecific features

LayeringLayering
► Can presentCan present
many layersmany layers
of informationof information
that user maythat user may
turn on/offturn on/off

Information RetrievalInformation Retrieval
► Allows a user to select a location/area/object &Allows a user to select a location/area/object &
retrieve information about itretrieve information about it

Topological ModelingTopological Modeling
► Can recognize &Can recognize &
analyzeanalyze TopologyTopology **
((relationshipsrelationships betweenbetween
geographic features):geographic features):
 Adjacency/ContiguityAdjacency/Contiguity
(“What is next to what”)(“What is next to what”)
 ContainmentContainment (“What is(“What is
enclosed by what”)enclosed by what”)
 ProximityProximity (“How close is(“How close is
one object to another”)one object to another”)
 ConnectivityConnectivity (“Which(“Which
lines are connected bylines are connected by
which nodes”)which nodes”)
** Note:Note: NotNot TopographyTopography – description of the– description of the physical featuresphysical features of a regionof a region
Points represent sources of pollution.
Coloured circles show distance from pollution
sources & dark green areas show wetlands.

Network ModelingNetwork Modeling
► Can measureCan measure lengthlength
of each route orof each route or
route segmentroute segment
► Can calculateCan calculate timetime
required to travelrequired to travel
each route or routeeach route or route
segmentsegment
► Can determineCan determine
shortestshortest and/orand/or
least costly route(s)least costly route(s)

Decision-MakingDecision-Making
► Can plot results ofCan plot results of
queries & analysesqueries & analyses
► Can produce &Can produce &
evaluate multipleevaluate multiple
““What IfWhat If ” scenarios” scenarios
quickly, efficiently &quickly, efficiently &
effectivelyeffectively
Lake Nippigon Water Quality Analysis:
Sampled areas showing high concentrations
of flouride & nitrates

Organization & ResourceOrganization & Resource
ManagementManagement
► Links data sets together byLinks data sets together by common location datacommon location data
(i.e., addresses)(i.e., addresses)
► Helps departments & agenciesHelps departments & agencies share datashare data
► One department/agency can benefit from the workOne department/agency can benefit from the work
of anotherof another
► Data isData is collected oncecollected once && used many timesused many times
► No duplication; no “reinventing the wheel”No duplication; no “reinventing the wheel”

Cost EffectivenessCost Effectiveness
► GIS has savedGIS has saved $$$,$$$,$$$$$$,$$$,$$$ through increasedthrough increased
productivity & efficiency, and improved capabilitiesproductivity & efficiency, and improved capabilities
in forecasting & forewarning.in forecasting & forewarning.

WhenWhen have there beenhave there been
Advances in GIS Technology?Advances in GIS Technology?
TimeTime
FrameFrame
TechnicalTechnical
EnvironmentEnvironment
Major UsersMajor Users Major ApplicationMajor Application
AreasAreas
1960 to1960 to
19801980
MainframeMainframe
ComputersComputers
ProprietaryProprietary
SoftwareSoftware
Proprietary DataProprietary Data
StructuresStructures
GovernmentGovernment
UniversitiesUniversities
MilitaryMilitary
Land & ResourceLand & Resource
CensusCensus
Surveying &Surveying &
MappingMapping

TimeTime
FrameFrame
TechnicalTechnical
AreasAreas
1980 to1980 to
Mid-1990sMid-1990s
Mainframes &Mainframes &
MinicomputersMinicomputers
Topological DataTopological Data
StructureStructure
Graphical UserGraphical User
Interfaces (GUI)Interfaces (GUI)
Remote SensingRemote Sensing
GPSGPS
MilitaryMilitary
UtilitiesUtilities
BusinessBusiness
CensusCensus
MappingMapping
FacilitiesFacilities
Market AnalysisMarket Analysis

TimeTime
FrameFrame
TechnicalTechnical
AreasAreas
Mid-1990sMid-1990s
to Presentto Present
PCs & WorkstationsPCs & Workstations
MultimediaMultimedia
Network/InternetNetwork/Internet
Data IntegrationData Integration
Open SystemsOpen Systems
EnterpriseEnterprise
ComputingComputing
Object-RelationalObject-Relational
Data ModelData Model
&& SchoolsSchools
MilitaryMilitary
UtilitiesUtilities
BusinessBusiness
GeneralGeneral
PublicPublic
CensusCensus
MappingMapping
FacilitiesFacilities
Market AnalysisMarket Analysis
Geographic DataGeographic Data
BrowsingBrowsing

WhoWho Creates GIS SoftwareCreates GIS Software
& Applications?& Applications?
►GIS Software Developers:GIS Software Developers:
 AutodeskAutodesk ((www.autodesk.comwww.autodesk.com))
 CARISCARIS ((www.caris.comwww.caris.com))
 ESRIESRI ((www.esri.comwww.esri.com))
 IntergraphIntergraph ((www.intergraph.comwww.intergraph.com))
 MapInfoMapInfo (www.mapinfo.com)(www.mapinfo.com)
 PCI GeomaticsPCI Geomatics (www.pcigeomatics.com)(www.pcigeomatics.com)

GIS CareersGIS Careers
► GIS TechnicianGIS Technician
 Uses GPS to collect dataUses GPS to collect data
 Converts data to suitable, usableConverts data to suitable, usable
formform
 Creates & maintains GIS databasesCreates & maintains GIS databases
 Produces cartographic mapsProduces cartographic maps
► GIS AnalystGIS Analyst
 Uses GIS tools & databases to generate productsUses GIS tools & databases to generate products
that facilitate spatial analysis & decision-makingthat facilitate spatial analysis & decision-making
 Implements theoretical approaches into GISImplements theoretical approaches into GIS
spatial analysisspatial analysis

GIS CareersGIS Careers
► GIS ProgrammerGIS Programmer
 Participates in the fullParticipates in the full Systems Development Life-CycleSystems Development Life-Cycle
(SDLC)(SDLC) of GIS projectsof GIS projects
 Develops customized GIS applicationsDevelops customized GIS applications
► GIS ManagerGIS Manager
 Directs staffing, development & implementation of GISDirects staffing, development & implementation of GIS
projectsprojects
 Develops goals, budgets & sources of fundingDevelops goals, budgets & sources of funding
 Implements long range plans, policies & procedures toImplements long range plans, policies & procedures to
guide GIS operationsguide GIS operations
 Establishes & implements cooperative efforts with otherEstablishes & implements cooperative efforts with other
departments & organizationsdepartments & organizations

WhereWhere are GIS Applicationsare GIS Applications
Used?Used?
SectorSector ApplicationsApplications
AcademicsAcademics Teaching, Research, Bus Routing, Facilities Management,Teaching, Research, Bus Routing, Facilities Management,
School District DemarcationSchool District Demarcation
BusinessBusiness Banking, Insurance, Real Estate, Retail, Marketing, ShippingBanking, Insurance, Real Estate, Retail, Marketing, Shipping
GovernmenGovernmen
tt
Surveying & Mapping, Land & Resource Management, Census,Surveying & Mapping, Land & Resource Management, Census,
Elections, Weather Services, Highway Planning & Management,Elections, Weather Services, Highway Planning & Management,
Water & Wastewater Services, Public Safety, Law Enforcement,Water & Wastewater Services, Public Safety, Law Enforcement,
Crime Scene Investigation, Justice, Homeland Security,Crime Scene Investigation, Justice, Homeland Security,
Emergency Services, Health CareEmergency Services, Health Care
IndustryIndustry Forestry, Engineering, Transportation, Telecommunications,Forestry, Engineering, Transportation, Telecommunications,
Energy, Mining, Petroleum, Utilities (Electricity, Gas & Water),Energy, Mining, Petroleum, Utilities (Electricity, Gas & Water),
Media & EntertainmentMedia & Entertainment
MilitaryMilitary Training, Command & Control Logistics, Intelligence GatheringTraining, Command & Control Logistics, Intelligence Gathering

HowHow Can One Learn MoreCan One Learn More
About GIS?About GIS?
► Contact a career/guidance counsellor or theContact a career/guidance counsellor or the
geography department of your local secondarygeography department of your local secondary
school or post-secondary institution, such as:school or post-secondary institution, such as:
Oshawa, OntarioOshawa, Ontario Lindsay, OntarioLindsay, Ontario Toronto, OntarioToronto, Ontario
Peterborough, OntarioPeterborough, Ontario
University of TorontoUniversity of Toronto
Toronto, OntarioToronto, Ontario Toronto, OntarioToronto, Ontario

SummarySummary
►GIS is among theGIS is among the most sophisticatedmost sophisticated
information systems being used today.information systems being used today.
►GIS is anGIS is an essential software toolessential software tool for:for:
 Delivering government servicesDelivering government services
 Making business decisionsMaking business decisions
 Analyzing & presenting spatial informationAnalyzing & presenting spatial information
in academic researchin academic research
 Helping the general public to understandHelping the general public to understand
the world around themthe world around them

ResourcesResources
► American Congress on Surveying & Mapping (ACSM)American Congress on Surveying & Mapping (ACSM)
 Careers in Cartography and GIS,Careers in Cartography and GIS, ACSM Publications,ACSM Publications,
Gaithersburg, MD, 2003Gaithersburg, MD, 2003
► Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
 Geography Matters – An ESRI White Paper,Geography Matters – An ESRI White Paper, ESRI, Redlands,ESRI, Redlands,
CA, September 2002CA, September 2002
 What Is GIS?,What Is GIS?, ESRI, Redlands, CA (www.gis.com/whatisgis/,ESRI, Redlands, CA (www.gis.com/whatisgis/,
accessed October 2004)accessed October 2004)
► M.F. Goodchild & K.K. Kemp M.F. Goodchild & K.K. Kemp
 NCGIA Core Curriculum in GIS: Unit 1 – What Is GIS?,NCGIA Core Curriculum in GIS: Unit 1 – What Is GIS?, NationalNational
Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, University ofCenter for Geographic Information and Analysis, University of
California, Santa Barbara CA, 1990California, Santa Barbara CA, 1990
(www.geog.ubc.ca/courses/klink/gis.notes/ncgia/u01.html,(www.geog.ubc.ca/courses/klink/gis.notes/ncgia/u01.html,
accessed October 2004)accessed October 2004)

ResourcesResources
► Lawrie Keillor-FaulknerLawrie Keillor-Faulkner
 Course notes forCourse notes for Technical Issues of GIS,Technical Issues of GIS, Geomatics Institute,Geomatics Institute,
Sir Sandford Fleming College, Lindsay, ON, 2004Sir Sandford Fleming College, Lindsay, ON, 2004
► C.P. Lo & Albert K.W. YeungC.P. Lo & Albert K.W. Yeung
 Concepts and Techniques of Geographic InformationConcepts and Techniques of Geographic Information
Systems,Systems, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2002Prentice-Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2002
► University of Toronto, Dept. of GeographyUniversity of Toronto, Dept. of Geography
 Careers in GIS – GIS Day 2001Careers in GIS – GIS Day 2001 (Presentation), University of(Presentation), University of
Toronto, Mississauga, ON, 2001Toronto, Mississauga, ON, 2001
► US Department of the InteriorUS Department of the Interior
 Geographic Information Systems PosterGeographic Information Systems Poster, US Geological, US Geological
Survey (USGS), Reston, VA, 1989Survey (USGS), Reston, VA, 1989
(http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/gis_poster/, accessed October(http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/gis_poster/, accessed October
2004)2004)

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