NERU PRASAD V.

ASSIGNMENT 1

1. What is GIS Data Model

Ans: Data model is a conceptual description of how spatial data is organised for the use
by a GIS. The data model in geographic information systems is a mathematical construct
for representing geographic objects or surfaces as data. A GIS data model enables a
computer to represent the real geographical elements as graphical elements. The data

model represents a set of guidelines to convert the real world (called entity) to
thedigitally and logically represented spatial objects consisting of the attributes and

geometry.

2. Describe Object Based Model

Ans: Object-based spatial models emphasize individual phenomena that are to be studied
in isolation or in terms of their relationships with other phenomena. Any phenomena
however big or small may be designated as an object, provided that it can be separated
conceptually from neighboring phenomena. Objects may be composed from other objects

and they may have specific relationships with other separate objects. An object data
model is a data model based on object-oriented programming, associating methods
(procedures) with objects that can benefit from class hierarchies. Thus, “objects” are levels
of abstraction that include attributes and behavior. An object-oriented data model is one
that extends the individual program space into the world of persistent object

management and shareability.

3. Explain Entity relationship Model

Ans: The E-R technique is a graphical method of representing entities of a GIS database,

relationships between the entities, and all attributes of either entities or relationships
which must be captured in the database. While formulating real world scenario into the
database model, the ER model creates entity set, relationship set, general attributes and

constraints.
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4. Explain Raster and Vector Data Structure in GIS

Ans: RASTER DATA STRUCTURE: The term raster implies a regularly spaced grid consists
of rows and columns of cells (or pixels). In this format a single value is stored against
each cell. It is matrix of square areas to define where features are located.

VECTOR DATA STRUCTURE: Vectors are graphical objects that have geometrical

primitives such as points, lines and polygons to represent geographical entities in the

computer graphics. vector data tend to define centers and edges of features

5. List out the basic requirements of Topological Data Structure

Ans: Requirements can be classified into three broad categories:
• Data modelling, upload and validation – functionality relating to the topological

modelling, processing and structuring of data into topological primitives.

• Standard analysis – relating to the analytical querying of data once it has been

structured in topological format

• Other custom analysis – relating to applications utilising the data structured

into other specific topological models

6. Explain Modelling Surfaces with examples

Ans: GIS can create and store four basic surface models namely;
(a) raster,

(b) triangulated irregular network (TIN),

(c) terrain datasets, and

(d) LAS datasets

7. Explain how the DTM is represented in Raster and Vector Approach

Ans: DTM is simply an elevation surface representing the bare earth referenced to a common

vertical datum. Digital Elevation Model is a data model which represents the surface of a
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terrain in 3 dimensions. DEM can be represented as a raster or as TIN.The TIN DEM dataset is

also referred to as a primary DEM or measured DEM. Raster DEM is referred to as secondary

DEM or computed DEM.

8. What are the advantages of TIN Model

Ans: (i) TIN’s give researchers the ability to view 2.5D and 3D at an area that was

interpolated from minimal data collection.

(ii) Users can describe a surface at different levels of resolution based on the points that

were collected.

(iii) TIN interpolation gives GIS users greater analytical capabilities. TIN models are easy

to create and use.

(iv) They provide users a simplified model that represents collected data points.
(v) Using a TIN surface in conjunction with ArcMap extensions such as Spatial Analysis

and 3D Analyst, TIN users can also derive slope, aspect, elevation, contour lines,

hillshades.

9. Explain Modelling Networks in GIS

Ans: Triangular Irregular Network, which is a vector approach to handling a
(vi) digital elevation model. TIN’s are used to interpolate surfaces using multiple

triangles. TIN’s are able to interpolate surfaces by selecting representative points that are

usually data points. TIN’s connect these points to form a set of continuous and

connected triangles.The data points consist of X, Y and Z values. The final result gives

users a TIN surface.

10. What is meant by ODBC

Ans: Open database connectivity is a standard database access method developed by

the SQL Access group in 1992. The goal of ODBC is to make it possible to access any data
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from any application, regardless of which database management system (DBMS) is

handling the data. ODBC manages this by inserting a middle layer, called a database

driver , between an application and the DBMS.

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