BEFORE YOU START
You could no longer drive a car besides an grasp of the street network or street signs. Similarly, a full perception of GIS requires some computing background, specifically in topics like operating systems and file management. This blog assumes basic familiarity with PC computing. Anyone who has any experience of word processing, spreadsheets, databases or mapping packages, must be in a position to apply that understanding in a GIS context. The traditional first year undergraduate IT course presented in subject areas like geography, biology, business research or geology is enough for you to cope with the thoughts in this blog. We anticipate that you are acquainted with terms such as hardware and software, and the principal elements of a computer: for example, monitor, keyboard, hard disk drive, CDROM drive, processor and memory. We make no other assumptions – this weblog is written to be available to college students of GIS from any expert or educational background: from archaeology, through biology, commercial enterprise studies, computing, demography, environmental management, forestry, geography, history … and on to zoology. If you prefer to emerge as a GIS expert, you will need to be relaxed with extra superior computing issues, and will have to expand your computing history to consist of competencies in such areas as programming and networks. These troubles are beyond the scope of this blog, however I hope to furnish you with a precious head start and many pointers as to where to proceed your journey. A weblog cannot alternative for hands-on experience in a subject area as realistic as GIS. Therefore, for a fuller perception of GIS I motivate you to join on a course that presents realistic experience of GIS, or to locate a device to use in your personal time.
Chapter 1: What is GIS?
This chapter presents an overview of GIS. It examines what GIS is, what it can do and, in brief, how it works. The chapter begins by looking at the sorts of well-known questions GIS can reply and expands on these with reference to a collection of case research which are then used in the course of the rest of the blog. GIS is then defined, and a range of problems and thoughts associated with its use identified. Much of the material delivered in this chapter will be covered in more detail later in the blog.
Chapter 2: Spatial data
This chapter appears at the big difference between data and information and identifies the three most important dimensions of data (temporal, thematic and spatial). The fundamental characteristics of spatial data are described. A overview of how the usual map-making technique shapes these traits is presented. The three fundamental spatial entity types (points, lines and areas), which form the basic building blocks of most GIS applications, are introduced. Maps and a range of different sources of spatial data are reviewed. Much of the material introduced in this chapter will be covered in more detail later in the blog.
Chapter 3: Spatial data modelling
How do you model spatial form in the computer? This chapter considers in detail how the primary spatial entities (points, lines and areas) can be represented the use of two specific approaches: raster and vector. Two different entity types that enable the modelling of more complicated spatial features (networks and surfaces) are introduced. Finally, modelling of three and four-dimensional spatial data is reviewed. Much of the material introduced in this chapter will be covered in more detail later in the blog.
Chapter 4: Database management
This chapter introduces the strategies available for managing attribute information in GIS. The need for formal techniques for database administration is discussed. The concepts and implementation of a relational database model are considered in detail, because this model is the most frequently used in modern-day GIS. Database alternatives for large-scale users are presented, consisting of the use of centralized and distributed database systems. Finally, a short introduction to the object-oriented strategy to database management is provided. Much of the material introduced in this chapter will be covered in more detail later in the blog.
Chapter 5: Data input and editing
This chapter offers an overview of the technique of developing an integrated GIS. It takes us from source data via data encoding, to editing and on to manipulatory operations such as re-projection, transformation, and rubber sheeting. The chapter offers examples of how these techniques are carried out, and highlights problems pertinent to the successful implementation of a GIS application. Much of the material introduced in this chapter will be covered in more detail later in the blog.
Chapter 6: Data analysis
Methods for making measurements and performing queries in GIS are delivered in this chapter. Proximity, neighbourhood and reclassification functions are outlined, then techniques for integrating data using overlay functions explained. Interpolation techniques (used for the prediction of information at unknown locations) are delivered and the analysis of surfaces and networks considered. Finally, analysis of quantitative data is reviewed. Much of the material introduced in this chapter will be covered in more detail later in the blog.
Chapter 7: Analytical modelling in GIS
This chapter offers a summary of process models before considering how they can be carried out in GIS. These models are then approached from an applications perspective, and three examples are examined: physical process models; human process models and decision-making models. To conclude, the chapter considers some of the advantages and disadvantages of using GIS to assemble spatial process models. Much of the material introduced in this chapter will be covered in more detail later in the blog.
Chapter 8: Output: from new maps to enhanced decisions
An understanding of the fundamental concepts of map design is necessary for the effective communication of information and ideas in map form. In addition, an understanding of the complexity of the map design process helps understanding of the power of maps as a visualization tool. This chapter considers the benefits and risks of cartographic and non-cartographic output. In the conclusion to this chapter there is a brief discussion of the role of GIS output in helping decision making. Much of the material introduced in this chapter will be covered in more detail later in the blog.
IN SUMMARY
I hope that after you have read this blog, you will have the information and enthusiasm to begin making use of GIS in the context of your personal course, discipline or organization. Whilst the textual content will no longer have taught you how to drive a particular GIS product I hope that it will provide you an understanding of the concepts on which GIS are based, the techniques they use and the applications to which they can be put. In addition, the blog have to provide you an understanding of some of the difficulties and issues related with setting up any GIS project. You can click on Chapter's link to get more details. I hope you enjoy the blog!
(Source: An Introduction to Geographical Information System Third Edition)
Post a Comment