This document provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It defines GIS as a map with an underlying database that represents both natural and constructed features of the real world. GIS allows users to create, edit, query, analyze and display spatial data on a computer. The document discusses key concepts like raster vs vector data, spatial vs aspatial data, and properties of spatial data like projection, accuracy, scale and resolution. It emphasizes that GIS is a tool for solving geographic problems and supporting spatial decision making.

1. Part _ 2A

2. PART - 02
Geographic Information System
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3. Introduction to Basics
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We Live in Two Worlds
Natural World Constructed World
. . . These Are Increasingly In Conflict
GIS

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6. GIS Main Points
 A map with a database behind it.
 A virtual representation of the real world and its infrastructure.
 A consistent “as-built” of the real world, natural and manmade.
 A GIS can:
 create, edit, query, analyze, and display map information on the computer
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GIS
“S”
System
Technology for the
acquisition and
management
Science
Theory and concepts
behind the technology
Studies
Social, legal and ethical
issues

8. RASTER VS VECTORS
Raster
 Discrete values
 Attribute
 Numeric values
 Non-text values
 Abrupt change
 Generalized values
 No true shape and size
Vector
 Continuous values
 Point, line, polygon
 Attribute
 Numeric
 Text
 Gradual change
 Maintains of true, Relative, shape and size
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The World
Geographic
Knowledge
Citizens

11. How GIS Describe The Data?
 SPATIAL DATA
 WHERE IT IS?
 Locational Data
 Representation of Read Data in terms of
Coordinates
 Geographic (lat/long)
 Projected (meters, feet)
 Geographic Data (on the surface of the Earth)
 Geo-spatial Data (range of data from Earth to
Space)
 ASPATIAL DATA
 WHAT IT IS?
 Attribute Data
 Numeric
 Text
 Non-spatial data
 Stands on the basis of Database
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12. Cont.
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Geographic coordinates
Tabular attributes
Geographic Data Model
Digital Orthophoto
Streets
Hydrography
Parcels
Buildings
Zoning
Utilities
Administrative Boundaries

14. KEY PROPERTIES OF SPATIAL DATA
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Key Properties of
Spatial data
Projection
3D earth into 2D
map
Accuracy
How well does the
database info
match the real
world
Scale
Ratio of distance
on a map to the
equivalent distance
on the ground
Resolution
The size of the
smallest feature
able to be
recognized

15. In Short Summary of GIS
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 “GIS is much more than a container of maps in digital form”.
 “A GIS is a computerized tool for solving geographic problems”
 “GIS is a spatial decision support system”
 “GIS is a tool to automate time-consuming tasks that are too tedious or expensive or inaccurate
if performed by hand”

16. Cont.
 In GIS we usually go with the processing of data, analyzing it, and generating a spatial and non-
spatial data out of our input data.
 No dealing with the acquisition of the data.
 It is a decision making tool.
 It is also a geo-database with temporal analysis.
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18. REFERENCES
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1. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) to Manage Civil Engineering Projects By Asmaa Abdul
Jabbar
2. Longley et al (2005) Geographic Information Systems and Science. 2nd Edition. John Wiley and Sons
Ltd. (Chapter 14, pages 317-319)
3. www.esri.com/engineering
4. http://webhelp.esri.com/arcpad/8.0/userguide/index.htm#capture_devices/concept_intro.htm
Special Acknowledgement
Industrial partners: ESRI, Danish Hydraulic Institute, Camp, Dresser and McKee, Dodson and Associates
Government partners:
Federal: EPA, USGS, Corps of Engineers (Hydrologic Engineering Center)
State: Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Texas Water Development Board
Local: Lower Colorado River Authority, City of Austin, Dept. of Watershed Protection
Academic Partners: University of Texas, Brigham Young University, Utah State University

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