Geographic Information Systems Chapter 1

Lesson Objectives

• Define Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Identify basic components of GIS.
• Explore applications of GIS.
• Determine sources of GIS data.
• Grasp the significance of GIS in healthcare.

Definition and Features of GIS

• GIS stands for Geographic Information System.
• A digital information system for capturing, modeling, manipulating, retrieving, analyzing, and presenting geographically referenced data.
• Considered a container for digital maps and a computerized solution for geographic problems.
• Functions as a spatial decision support system (SDSS) to improve geographic visualization, decision-making, and understanding.

Key Elements of GIS

• Geographic: Represents real-world spatial realities (e.g., locations of cities or schools).
• Information: Involves data and their meanings (e.g., city names, areas, population densities).
• System: Refers to the combination of computer hardware and software working together.

GIS Capabilities

• Supports decision-making through:
  • Input of geographic data.
  • Storage and manipulation of spatial information.
  • Analysis and display of data for informed results.

Core Functions of GIS

• Location: Identifies what exists at specific locations.
• Condition: Detects where certain conditions are present.
• Trends: Analyzes changes over time.
• Patterns: Discovers spatial patterns in data.
• Modeling: Facilitates exploration of hypothetical scenarios.

Importance of GIS

• Utilized by urban planners, scientists, resource managers, and health care managers.
• Helps in:
  • Measure: Observing environmental parameters.
  • Maps: Developing maps with characteristics of the environment.
  • Monitor: Tracking spatial and temporal changes.
  • Model: Simulating alternatives for environmental actions.

Tobler's First Law of Geography

• "Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things."

Components of GIS

• A typical GIS includes five main components:
  • Hardware: Computer systems and external devices for data acquisition, storage, analysis, and display.
  • Software: GIS programs, operating systems, and database software, with GIS software as the core (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
  • Data: Geographically located spatial data stored in databases.
  • Analysis: Methods used to interpret data for decision-making.
  • People: GIS staff and project managers are crucial for the effectiveness of GIS projects.

Hardware Details

• Comprises core and peripheral equipment, including:
  • Computers and storage devices (both internal and external).
  • Scanners and digitizers for converting physical maps into digital formats.
  • Output devices like printers and plotters for displaying results.

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as introduced in Chapter 1. Students will explore basic components of GIS, its applications in healthcare, and the sources of GIS data. Enhance your understanding of how GIS can improve health-related decision-making.