Chapter one

Introduction to GIS

1
 What is a GIS?
• An integration of five basic components

2
GIS functions

3
Capturing data

Hardcopy maps

Coordinates

4
Storing data

• Vector formats
– Discrete representations of reality

• Raster formats
– Use square cells to model reality

Reality
(Road networks)

5
Query
• Identify specific features

Identify features based on conditions

An African country with a population greater than 300,000

6
Analysis

7
Display

Graphs

Reports

8
 Output
Internet

Paper map

GIS
Data

Image Document
Uganda.mxd

Africa.bil
9
 GIS DATA TYPES

• Spatial data:
• Describes the absolute and relative location of
geographic features.
• Attribute data:
• Describes characteristics of the spatial features. These
characteristics can be quantitative and/or qualitative in
nature. Attribute data is often referred to as tabular data.

10
 SPATIAL DATA MODELS
• Traditionally spatial data has been stored and presented
in the form of a map.
• Three basic types of spatial data models have evolved
for storing geographic data digitally. These are referred
to as:
• Vector
• Raster
• Image

11
12
 ATTRIBUTE DATA MODELS
• A separate data model is used to store and maintain attribute data
for GIS software.
• These data models may exist internally within the GIS software, or
may be reflected in external commercial Database Management
Software (DBMS).
• A variety of different data models exist for the storage and
management of attribute data. The most common are:
• Tabular
• Hierarchical
• Network
• Relational
• Object Oriented

13
Representing features in vector data
• Real-world entities are abstracted into three basic shapes.

14
Map scale

• Map scale determines the size and shape of features

15
Components of geographic data
• Three general components to geographic information

Each feature corresponds to a record in the attribute table

16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
 Some of the GIS Applications

• Mapping locations
• Mapping quantities
• Mapping densities
• Finding distances
• Mapping and monitoring change

27
28
29
30
 Titles of GIS Projects

• Criminal Mapping and Analysis

• Evaluation of Existing Gas Stations and Propose A new Sites
• GIS Data base for Infrastructure for Adama City
• Assessment of health centers for city of Adama
• Evaluation of condominium sites and its standards for city of
Adama
• Suitable Land Selection for Agricultural Development
• Assessment of junior schools and propose new sites.
• Evaluation and analysis of Garbage bin in Adama City

31
32