SALALE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
DEFINATION,TYPES AND APPLICATIONS OF GIS

NAME: Haymanot Siyoum

IDNO:RU0088/13

Submitted to: Mr.Mesfin A.

Submission date: May8/2024
 DEFINATION OF GIS
GIS stands for Geographic Information System. It is a system designed to capture, store,
manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data. GIS integrates hardware,
software, data, and people to collect, store, analyze, and visualize geographic information.

At its core, GIS is a digital mapping technology that allows users to create, view, and analyze
maps and spatial data. It combines various types of data, such as satellite imagery, aerial
photographs, survey data, and demographic information, with geographic coordinates to provide
a comprehensive understanding of a particular location or area.

Key Components of GIS:

Hardware: GIS requires computers or mobile devices to run the necessary software applications.
Additionally, it may involve peripherals such as plotters, scanners, GPS devices, and remote
sensing tools.

Software: GIS software provides tools and functionalities to manage and analyze spatial data.
Popular GIS software includes ArcGIS, QGIS, and GRASS GIS. These software packages offer
a wide range of capabilities, including data input and editing, spatial analysis, geocoding, and
map creation.

Data: GIS relies on various types of data, including spatial data and attribute data. Spatial data
represents the geographic location and shape of features such as points, lines, and polygons.
Attribute data provides additional information about these features, such as population, land use,
or temperature. Spatial data can be obtained from various sources, such as satellite imagery,
aerial photographs, GPS surveys, and public databases.

TYPES OF GIS
There are several types of GIS that are categorized based on their functionality, purpose, and
usage. Here are some common types of GIS:

Desktop GIS: Desktop GIS refers to GIS software that is installed and operated on individual
computers. It provides a comprehensive set of tools and functionalities for data management,
analysis, and map creation. Users can create, edit, and analyze spatial data, perform

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geoprocessing tasks, and generate maps and reports. Examples of desktop GIS software include
ArcGIS Desktop, QGIS, and GRASS GIS.

Web GIS: Web GIS utilizes the internet to deliver GIS functionality to users through web
browsers. It allows users to access and interact with GIS data and tools over the internet. Web
GIS applications often provide mapping interfaces, data visualization, and basic analysis
capabilities. Examples of web GIS platforms include ArcGIS Online, Google Maps API, and
Mapbox.

Mobile GIS: Mobile GIS involves the use of GIS technology on mobile devices such as
smartphones and tablets. It enables users to collect and update spatial data in the field, navigate
with GPS, and perform basic analysis on the go. Mobile GIS applications are useful for tasks
such as asset management, field data collection, and emergency response. Examples of mobile
GIS apps include ArcGIS Collector, QField, and Mappt.

Enterprise GIS: Enterprise GIS refers to a GIS implementation that is designed to support an
entire organization or enterprise. It involves the integration of GIS technology with other
enterprise systems, such as databases, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and
enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Enterprise GIS enables data sharing, collaboration,
and centralized management of spatial data across different departments or units within an
organization.

Cloud GIS: Cloud GIS leverages cloud computing infrastructure to store, process, and share
spatial data and GIS services. It allows users to access GIS resources and data remotely without
the need for local hardware and software installations. Cloud GIS offers scalability, flexibility,
and cost-effectiveness for managing and analyzing large datasets. Examples of cloud GIS
platforms include ArcGIS Online, Amazon Web Services (AWS) with GIS capabilities, and
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) with GIS services.

Open Source GIS: Open Source GIS refers to GIS software that is freely available and has open-
source licenses. These software packages are developed and maintained by a community of
developers and users who contribute to their enhancement and customization. Open Source GIS
software, such as QGIS, GRASS GIS, and PostGIS, provide a cost-effective alternative to
proprietary GIS software and offer high flexibility and customization options.

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 APPLICATIONS OF GIS
Geographic Information System (GIS) applications are used to capture, store, manipulate,
analyze, and present geospatial data. They have a wide range of functions and applications across
various industries. Here are some common GIS applications and their functions:

Urban Planning: GIS is used to analyze and visualize urban data such as land use, zoning,
transportation networks, and population density. It helps in making informed decisions about
urban development, infrastructure planning, and resource allocation.

Environmental Management: GIS is employed in environmental studies and natural resource

management. It assists in mapping and monitoring ecosystems, analyzing biodiversity,
identifying sensitive areas, tracking deforestation or habitat loss, managing water resources, and
planning conservation efforts.

Emergency Management: GIS plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness, response, and
recovery. It helps in identifying high-risk areas, assessing vulnerability, planning evacuation
routes, coordinating emergency services, and analyzing the impact of natural disasters.

Transportation and Logistics: GIS is used for route optimization, fleet management, and logistics
planning. It helps in analyzing traffic patterns, locating facilities, optimizing delivery routes, and
improving transportation infrastructure.

Utilities Management: GIS is utilized by utility companies to manage and maintain infrastructure
such as electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications networks. It aids in asset management,
outage management, network analysis, and planning for expansion or repairs.

Agriculture: GIS is used in precision farming and agricultural resource management. It helps in
analyzing soil composition, optimizing irrigation systems, monitoring crop health, predicting
yields, and managing farm resources efficiently.

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 REFERENCE
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_information_system

https://researchguides.library.syr.edu/c.php?g=258118&p=1723814

https://www.geographyrealm.com/geodatabases-explored-vector-and-raster-data/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-important-gis-applications-uses-