CHAPTER 3

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMNTS FOR GIS

In today’s IT world the Internet has certainly open up a new dimension of computing, which is
(among others), the ability to perform shared computing over the Internet. To share data, a
common format is sought and the basic common format is called ASCII. ASCII is a common
computer file standard which is used to transfer data between computers. This is well known
standard. The acronym ASCII spells out American Standard Code for Information Interchange
which is a code for information exchange between computers made by different companies; a
string of 7 binary digits represents each character; used in microcomputers.

GIS has moved into the mainstream to become a core enterprise technology. As a result GIS is
treated as a corporate resource that needs computing platform and capabilities to support multi-
terabyte sized data storage. The over whelming trend has a greater expectancy towards the
more computing power – power to speed application processing, power to respond more users
and power to access and transfer more information. First, rapid software and hardware
innovation continued to increase system performance and reduce computing relative cost.
Computer manufacturers have been quick to adopt the latest processors from Intel and RISC
processors produced by Silicon Graphics, Sun Micro Station, IBM, and HP etc. Second, while
computer performance is going up, the relative cost of computing power continued to get less
expensive.

To be able to develop and use GIS, hardware and software is required. In the IT environment,
the hardware includes the CPU, monitor, and printers/plotters. The software refers to the
operating systems, and application programs such as GIS programs, word processors, and
other third party programs (which are also used in GIS programs). The choice of suitable
hardware and software is needed in order to have an efficient GIS that is capable of running
the GIS application in terms of suitable response time, adequate results, and such like.

3.1 Hardware and other Peripherals:

Hardware: of a computer refers to the physical tangible components. When a computer

does a job, each of these hardware components does a part of that job. A computer system
consists of a processing unit and a memory unit connected to a number of peripheral devices.
Peripheral Device: is external to a computer’s processing and memory units. Examples are
Keyboard, Mouse, Display Terminal, Printer, and Plotter etc.
Components of Computer:
A computer has four essential components namely Input unit, Memory unit, Central Processing
units and Output unit.
All the four logical units of computer system are composed of corresponding hardware devices,
which are termed as input devices, central processor and storage devices.

1. Input / Output Unit: The input and output units are together called I/O Unit.

i) The input unit accepts the data and program to process the data in machine-readable
form.
ii) It then transforms the data to the appropriate internal code and then stores in computer
memory.
iii) The output unit transforms the internal representation of the data into a form, which can
be read by people.
iv) The most commonly used input devices are Floppy drive, CD drive, Tape drive etc. Note
that the input devices are not data entry devices. Some data entry devices are keyboard, mouse,
digitizer, scanner etc. However, together all these are called input unit.
v) The devices to output information from computer are printers (Dot Matrix, Ink jet, Laser
etc.), Plotters (B/W, Color- CMY or RGB) in various sizes A0, A1, A2, A3 etc.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU):
i) A CPU in a computer retrieves the program and data from the memory unit and
process that achieve the desired results.
ii) The processing unit then stores these results in the memory unit.
3. Memory Unit:
i) A memory unit is required in a computer to store data and program accepted by input
unit.
ii) It is also required to store the data or results obtained after processing.

3.1 Storage Devices:

i) Magnetic Hard Disk:

Magnetic disks are smooth metal plates coated both sides with a thin film of magnetic
materials.
A set of such magnetic plates is fixed to a spindle one below the other to make a disk pack.
The disk pack is mounted on a disk drive.

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 Hard disk plays a significant role in the following important aspects of computer systems.
a) Performance: hard disk plays a very important role in overall system
performance. The speed at which PC boots up and program load is directly related to hard disk
speed.
b) The hard disk performance is also critical when multitasking is being
carried out or when processing large amounts of data are involved.
c) Storage capacity: bigger hard disk lets you store more programs and data
d) Software support: newer softwares need more space and faster hard disk
to load them efficiently.

ii) Floppy Disk:

 It is a soft magnetic disk and called floppy because it flops if you wave.
 Unlike hard disk, floppy disks are portable because you can remove them from floppy drive.
 It is slower than hard disk and has less storage capacity, but they are much less expensive.
Floppy comes in two basic sizes – 5 ¼” and 3 ½”. The former was common size for PC’s made
before 1987 and capable of storing data between 100 K and 1.2 MB. 3 ½” disks are encased in a
rigid envelope. They have storage capacity between 400 K t0 1.44 MB.

3.2 Magnetic Tape & Digital Audio Tape (DAT):

 Magnetic tape memories are similar to commonly used Audio Tape Recorders. The width of
tape is 0.5 inch and recording density is bits per inch (bpi) along its length.
 The data recorded on tape is accessed only sequentially.
 DAT is also similar to audio-cassette tape. Tape is 4 mm wide and records the data
sequentially.
 A DAT drive is required as a periphery to record or access the data from the tape. The
storage capacity of DAT is up to 10 GB.

iv) DVD and Memory Stick:

 Digital Video Disk (DVD) but now officially Digital Versatile disk is similar to simple CD
but with more storage capacity up to 4.7 GB and better data storage technique.
 Memory stick is a latest development in storage media and is very portable just like a small
pen. Unlike CD-R memory stick does not require any driver to run it, rather it is inserted
into the port inbuilt in the latest computer. It can store data between 64 MB to 250 MB.

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 3.3 System Design:
Design Philosophy of GIS:
Implementing process of GIS can be divided broadly into five major stages:
i) Concept – Requirement analysis, feasibility analysis
ii) Design- Implementation plan, system design
iii) Development – System acquisition, organizing staff and training, operationprocedure
preparation, site preparation
iv) Operation – System installation, pilot project
v) Audit – System Review, System Expansion.

Requirements of Resources

Applications and Processes

System Functions Data Base Contents Organizations and

Institutional Matters

Software Data Base Design

Hardware

Figure 23 Philosophy of GIS design

System Design
 GIS is implemented typically by acquiring a commercially available hardware and Software
 Numerous GIS systems are available in the market, each with strengths and weaknesses that
should be assessed in light of the organization’s requirement.
Hardware
Generally hardware is being assessed by factors:
 Affordability (Cost of the machine)
 Reliability (System performance, Average down/upload time)
 Connectivity (Network Compatibility)
 Security (Protection from hackers)
Following hardware is required for a full-fledged GIS system

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 1. Computer (450 MHz chip, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB hard Disk, 1.44
FDD, CD-R Drive)
2. Digitizer (Ao Size)
3. Graphic Accelerator Card
4. Color Plotter/Printer
5. External Storage device (4/6/8 mm DAT drives)
6. Ao Scanner (Color)

3.4 GIS Software

Software, Application, or a System that is used to analyze, manipulate, and visualize geospatial data
and databases is a GIS Software. These are robust packages that are used to handle a large number
of data sets. The data sets and files are limited to spreadsheets and multimedia files like video drive
files and imagery from various sources. Companies that are into GIS software are ESRI, HERE
Maps, Google, Bing Maps and Autodesk, etc. Along with the big guns, there are also small open-
source, free wares that are doing well in the industry. I will try to cover the most widely and known
software in the latter part of this article. GIS Software: The below process flow depicts the generic
workflow and functioning of any GIS software.
Generic workflow and functioning of any GIS software

Figure 24 GIS Software

3.5 Working of GIS Software

GIS or GIS software workflow is classified into a different set of tasks:

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Data Pre-processing: Before adding any data into the software, it must be cleaned and processed
using various tools. The data should be then converted to digital format so that further integration
into the software can be done.
Data Transmission and Integration: Once the data formatting is done, it is then imported into
Relational Geospatial Databases. This is the task where ETL and GIS database experts are needed
to handle mischievous vast data sets.
Data Analysis: Imported data is then analysed with the different aspects, and depending on the
need, the action is taken on the analysis part.
Data Manipulation and input: GUI of the GIS software is then used by GIS analysts and technicians
to alter the attributes and update the changes into the system.
Quality Check and Testing: Quality checks and testing is done to avoid bug and erroneous data.
These checks are based on various quality standards. Organizations like HERE maps use LEAN and
Six Sigma techniques to maintain the benchmark. Internal and ISO certified audits are also
performed to maintain data credibility.
Release and Support: The updated GIS data is then rolled out to concerned customers with accurate
changes. Organizations are always ready for feedback and surveys regarding the quantity and
quality of data.
Like much other domain-level software, GIS software is classified into licensed software and free
version software. The software used in major projects to handle complex geospatial data and their
queries is classified into licensed software. Clients have to buy a subscription to licensed software.
This purely depends on the contractual terms and the requirements of the clients. Free version
software is free of cost, and it doesn’t require any subscription or an agreement. The packages are
freely available on the websites of the service providers. Both sets of software have a different
target audience. Fresh graduates of Geo-informatics widely use free version software, and
organizations use paid versions.

Some of the well-known paid GIS software: ArcGIS by ESRI, AutoCAD Map 3D by Autodesk,
Atlas by HERE Maps, and Geo-media by Hexagon geospatial.

Freeware: QGIS by Quantum GIS, GRASS GIS, gVSIG, Open Jump.

 Before buying of software one should have clear understanding of what the really want
the software to do for him in the project.
 Next step is to make sure that GIS software can be executed on your computer under
operating system you are using.
 Next, to see its capability and its user friendliness.

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So, the key terms for validating software worthiness are: -
i) User Friendliness (easy graphical interface)
ii) Functionalities (effectiveness and efficiency)
iii) Compatibility (OS friendliness)
iv) Updativity (changeable with versions)
v) Documentations (help on software functions)
vi) Cost effectiveness (more functions with less price)

3.6 Types of GIS Software

Figure 25 Types of GIS Software

1. Licensed Software
ArcGIS: ArcGIS is enterprise software that ESRI builds. It is the frontier in the world of GIS
software. They have a wide variety of products with integrated technologies. Mainly it is classified
into ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, and ArcGIS Developers.
ArcGIS Online: This act as a prototype and community edition deployed on web servers so that
interested audience can use the service. ESRI has directly added the link for using it on the main
site.
ArcGIS Pro: This tool is used to create 2D and 3D models of the map features. There is also a trial
version of this which is available on the website.
ArcGIS Enterprise: Organizations mainly enroll in this option and batch of software. The
companies generally buy this on a larger scale.

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ArcGIS Developers: Developers use this tool to create solutions and applications for geocoding so
that technicians can use it for data manipulation and analytics.
Moreover, to these primary products, it also has various other tools for various business users and
business domains.

2. AutoCAD Map 3D
Unlike ESRI, this company is building drawing tools for various domains. AutoCAD Map 3D is the
perfect example of this, where a large amount of geospatial data can be handled and manipulated.
Most of the work belongs to 2D and 3D Map feature creation. Autodesk allows organizations to buy
these products on a subscription basis with different pricing based on the features. They also make
solutions for Engineering, Architecture, and industrial design purpose.

3. ATLAS and Map-creator

These are the proprietary tools developed by HERE maps. GIS analysts and technicians associated
with this technology have only access to these tools. ATLAS is a desktop application that allows
GUI based data manipulation. The edits are directly synced and integrated into the RDBMS. Map-
creator is a web-based tool that is accessible to anyone around the globe. There is a community
group that works on the edits based on the local information and imagery sources. The data which
gets fed into the system is then analysed and manipulated by GIS analysts, Developers, and
Technicians. HERE maps believe in agile methodology while rolling out the maps to the consumers
and partnered customers.

4. Freeware
Freeware like QGIS, gVSIG, Open Jump is perfect packages for students and startup organizations
that are thinking to enter the world of GIS. While many of the freeware is considered to be used for
solving basic to intermediate level problems, QGIS is unique and robust among all the freeware that
competes along with the likes of ArcGIS. It also integrates with multiple software add-ins like
Grass GIS for data manipulation and data integration.

Conclusion
Moreover, these Organizations less focusses on Freeware and prioritize a lot of their attention on
robust tools like ArcGIS because it provides a full-fledged ecosystem for the organizations. GIS is
nothing without all the software and the hardware associated with it. Organizations stick to one
particular Software service provider rather than changing the environment. GIS and Software

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Integration is not an overnight task, and hence it requires proper strategic planning and management
before deploying.

There are considerable numbers of GIS packages available in the market. The commonly used GIS
packages are-
b) Arc/Info
c) Spans GIS
d) ILWIS
e) MAPINFO
f) ENVI
g) ArcView / ArcGIS

1. Arc / Info:
 Arc / Info are one of the first GIS packages that were available commercially and are
being used all over the world. It has been developed by Environmental System
Research Institute (ESRI), Redlands, USA.

 Data Structure: it is a vector based GIS package, capable of handling both spatial and
non-spatial data. It organizes geographic data using vector topological models and non-
spatial data using relational models in DBMS.
 Functionalities: the main functionalities of the software are:-
Arc Digitization System (ADS) and Arcedit:
 Data base creation in Arc/Info is possible through the process of digitization using
ADS and Arcedit modules.
 ADS is menu driven module and Arcedit is command based module for editing,
coordinate entry through digitizer, screen cursor etc.
INFO:
 It is a relational data base manager for the tabular data associated with spatial features
in map coverage.
 Info used to create, update, manipulate and query attribute table.
Analysis Module:
 Arc/Info offers spatial analysis capabilities like overlay, buffer generation, proximity
analysis, feature aggregation, feature extraction etc.
Arc plot:
 Arc plot is used to generate cartographic quality output in the form of maps. Further it
is used to print or plot the map through printer or plotter respectively.

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  Display of map features as per scale, symbolization, legend, text, graphics, north arrow
etc. is some of the works carried out in Arcplot.
TIN:
 Used to create, store and manage and then perform analysis pertaining to 3D data.
 Calculation of slope, aspect, perspective view, volumes etc are main operations carried
out here.
Network:
 Network analysis such as best route selection, resource allocation, water flow analysis
etc. is carried out here.

COGO (Coordinate Geometry):

 Coordinate Geometry module supports the functions performed by Land Surveyor and
Civil Engineers.
 The major tasks carried out here are- Design and Layout of subdivision, Road
construction, and Traverse adjustment (including adding curves), compute areas,
bearing, azimuth etc.
GRID:
 This is extension of Arc/Info. Used mainly for Raster to Vector conversion and vice
versa, Raster modeling, Multi-layer integration etc.
Platform: Arc/Info is available in both UNIX and PC environments.

2. Spans GIS (Spatial Data Analysis System):

 Developed by TYDAC technologies, USA
 GIS Modules: for basic GIS operations like digitization, editing, R to V and V to R
conversion, projection coordinates, map display / browse etc.
 Core module: for GIS analysis like polygon overlay, logical overlay, matrix overlay,
weighted overlay and spatial modeling.
 Contouring / DEM module: Spatial interpolation of point data, contour generation,
slope, aspect, hill shading etc.
 Raster Interface module: Import / Export of raster data, multiplayer overlay etc.
 Platform: windows based.

1. ILWIS:
 For windows based GIS and RS applications
 Basic GIS facilities like digitization, editing, attribute data manipulation, spatial analysis etc.

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  It also has image processing facilities, creation of DEM, slope etc.

2. MAPINFO:
 It has a good display capability. Supports dBase and others DBMS softwares.
 Good in spatial data handling.

3. ENVI (Environment for Visualizing Images):

 Used for multi and hyper spectral analysis of remotely sensed data.
 Supports basic GIS modules
 Integration of RS and GIS data.

4. ArcView:
 Product of ESRI. It is good for data display and map generation but has
limitations in database generation.
 View: is used to display themes, set scale, change symbology, query, and basic
editing ofthemes etc.
 Tables: Create, edit, update attribute tables. Add tables created by other DBMS
and linkingof tables.
 Charts: to create charts such as pie charts, bar charts, line graph etc using fields
in attributetable.
 Layout: designing of maps with other marginal information in user friendly manner
 Script: used to customize the softwares using inbuilt Avenue Programme as
per the userrequirements.

5. ArcGIS:
 It is combination of Arc/Info and Arcview along with extensions like Spatial
Analyst, 3D Analyst, Network Analyst, Survey Analyst etc. it has similar
functionalities of Arc/Info and Arc View.
 ArcGIS SDE is data base engine of the software, which provides a common
platform for the integration of non-spatial database created through different

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DBMS softwares.

1. [Activity ] What are hardware and software requirements for GIS?

2. Describe Design Philosophy of GIS.

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