DATA INPUT

Data input to a GIS involves encoding

both the locational and attribute data
The locational data is encoded as
coordinates on a particular cartesian
coordinate system
Source maps may have different
projections and scales
Several stages of data transformation
may be needed to bring all data to a
common coordinate system
 Attribute data is often obtained and
stored in tables (Database
Management System)
There are two methods for inputing data
Primary methods
Surveying, Photogrammetry, GPS, and
Remote Sensing
Secondary Methods
Digitization, Automatic line following,
and scanning
Modes of data input: Input
Devices

•keyboard
Digitizer
Scanner
Data in digital format (Total
station, digital photogrammetry,
remote sensing, GPS)
 Keyboard

Keyboard entry (X,Y,Z), (Ø, , h), or angle and

distance
Input through keyboard is time consuming, but
it is more accurate
It is suitable for small areas i.e. when the
number of points/lines/areas are limited
Because of its high accuracy, sometimes it is
used in applications that need high quality e.g.
cadastral mapping
 Digitization
Digitization is a process of converting
existing maps to digital form (vector
format)
A digitizer is connected to a computer
and map features are followed manually
Digitizers are available at different sizes
(A4, A3, A2, A0) and different accuracy
(0.05 mm)
Example of digitizers are CalComp
9500 and Summagraphic
f

 h
 Scanning
Scanning is a process of converting
existing maps to digital form (raster
format)
A scanner is connected to a computer and
map features are scanned automatically
Scanners are available at different sizes
(A4, A3, A2, A0) and different accuracy
(300 dpi, 600dpi, 1000 dpi)
Example of Scanners are UMAX-S12, HP
 External Databases
 An efficient method of building a GIS
database is to limit the amount of time
and cost necessary to develop database
 A plenty of data already available in
different digital format an in different
media 9-inch tape, 8 mm tape, CD-ROM,
etc.
 Need to evaluate data for its
utility/quality for projects and ability to
import
 Meta-data or data dictionary should be
prepared for the GIS database
(information about the content)
 DATABASE OF GIS
It is not only the replacement of
map symbols, but it also provides
a spatial component (not like a
static nature of map). The
database management system
(DBMS) is used by GIS to store
and to mange data in an
independent subsystem in itself.
 OBJECTIVES
• To store and to maintain the data
at a single place
• To store the data in structured
and in controlled manner.
• To have multi-users ability.
• To update the data easily
 DESIGN
On the basis of the application areas the
databases are generated and
accordingly the GIS is designed. E.g. to
manage the land record. The land
information system is developed (LIS)
for the municipal application in urban
information system (UIS).
Computer assisted design (CAD) are
developed to support the design
applications in design architecture. CAD
systems gives importance to design so
the often lack in ability of processing
complex attributes and integrate them