Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are tools that gather, organize, and analyze spatial data, linking digital maps with data about locations. The document highlights the applications of GIS in various fields such as healthcare, engineering, and urban planning, showcasing its role in solving problems like the 1854 cholera epidemic. By using layers of information, GIS allows for spatial analysis, resource allocation, and the creation of thematic maps.

1. GISGeographical InformationSystems

2. What is GIGeographical InformationAny information that has a spatial element is Geographical.That is any information that can be located on a map.

3. Using GI to solve problems – Cholera Epidemic

4. Original map by Dr. John Snow showing the clusters of cholera cases in the London epidemic of 1854

5. 1854 London – Cholera (after Dr. John Snow)

6. Source: ESRI

7. “…a digital map, data located on the map, and a software application (GIS) that links the two together” Diana Freeman (2004)Slide from: Alan Parkinson

8. GIS-what makes it so successful?Attributive information:What it is?Information about its location: Where?Kind: OakHeight: 15mAge: 7551°N, 112°WTool for gathering, organizing, analyzing spatial data to produce geographic informationWith GIS we can describe an object in two interrelated ways:

9. GIS databaseAttr.dataKind: OakHeight: 15mAge: 75Spatialdata51°N, 112°WSpatial (location) data and attributive (describing) data are stored into the GIS relational database

10. Where is GIS?

11. Where is GIS?AviationTelecommunicationsNature ConservationPetroleumAgricultureParks & RecreationMiningForestryMuseumCoastal & Marine ProtectionPort & Airport ManagementRetailHealthSearch & RescueEducationEconomic DevelopmentDefenceNational MappingInsuranceGovernmentSecurityEngineeringTourismTown PlanningBankingFacility ManagementStreet LightingPublic SafetyLogisticsLand RegistryWaste CollectionHighwaysAsset ManagementLandscape PlanningUtilitiesSurveying

12. PropertiesCensus DataHealth StatisticsUtility NetworksPolicy HoldersLand OwnershipFlood RiskRivers/CanalsLocationsCCTV CoverageBuilding PlansAssetsRoad NetworkWoodlandGeology/SoilsTerrainGIS is basedon layers ofInformation

13. Value of GIS - Spatial AnalysisIdentify features within a target areaPerform comparative time-based analyticsDisplay features on a mapTrigger activities based on locationShow which features are relatedChange location of a featureCreate thematic mapsShow clusters and hotspotsChange the attributesof a featurePerform proximity analysisAnalyse where to reallocate resourcesView locations over a satellite imageAnswer what-if scenariosFind a route from A to B across a networkFind a route from A to B considering impedances