Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Data used to represent real-world features, both material (visible) and abstract (invisible). Examples include roads, rivers, boundaries, and temperature zones.

Additional Information about a spatial feature that describes its characteristics. Examples include road type, river width, or population density.

The representation of real-world points, lines, and areas on a map. It is usually stored in dimensions

Data organized into a grid of cells, with each cell representing a specific value. Examples include aerial imagery and elevation models.

A database that stores spatial data referenced to locations on Earth.

Spatial data representing a single point in space. Examples: a city, a well, a tree

Spatial data representing continuous lines in space. Examples: roads, rivers, coastlines.

Spatial data representing areas in space. Examples: forests, lakes, countries.

The collection of people involved in using and developing GIS technology. This includes hardware and software engineers, data providers, analysts, and users.

These specialists design and maintain the physical components of a GIS system, like computers, digitizers, and plotters.

These specialists are experts in creating the software programs that drive GIS operations.

Organizations or individuals that collect, process, and distribute geographical data used for GIS applications.

People who use GIS to analyze spatial data and produce information for planning, management, and decision-making.

Individuals or groups who utilize GIS outputs for various purposes, such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, or resource management.

The process of creating and managing a database that stores geographic information. It involves organizing, structuring, and storing spatial and non-spatial data.

The act of regularly updating geographic information in a GIS database to ensure accuracy and relevance. This is crucial for maintaining the usefulness of the system.

A set of tools within a GIS system that allow users to manipulate and analyze geographic and attribute data.

The process of changing the coordinate system of data, enabling different datasets to be combined and analyzed.

The process of transforming data from one map projection to another, adjusting the geometric representation of data.

The process of adjusting the scale of a map, changing the ratio between distances on the map and in reality.

A technique used to align and merge different map layers, correcting distortions and creating a seamless dataset.

The process of extracting information from a database based on specific criteria, allowing for targeted analysis of data.

The powerful technique of combining multiple map layers to create a new layer that contains information from each of the original layers.

A technique used to analyze the spatial relationships between features, determining distances and accessibility.

The way an organization gets things done, including its processes, rules, and operating practices.

A system used to collect, store, analyze, and present geographic data. It helps organizations make better decisions by visualizing spatial information.

The core processes that define how an organization operates, such as its values, policies, and decision-making approaches. It's what makes an organization unique.

A detailed plan outlining how a GIS system will be implemented, including technical specifications, budget, and training. It ensures the system integrates smoothly into the organization's workflow.

The process of integrating a GIS system into an organization's business strategy and operations. It aligns GIS capabilities with the organization's goals and ensures its usefulness in everyday tasks.

The process of converting existing maps or images into digital formats, making them easier to analyze and manipulate in a GIS system.

Creating maps digitally using a GIS program, allowing for greater accuracy and flexibility in map creation.

The practice of choosing the most appropriate GIS method based on an organization's needs and goals. This helps organizations make efficient use of GIS tools.

A process used to fill in missing data points based on existing data by creating a surface, often a raster dataset.

A technique used to estimate the average value of a data point based on surrounding data, especially useful when measuring phenomena with varying precision.

A method to convert spatial locations (like coordinates) from non-spatial information like addresses or postal codes.

A technique used to generate a surface using data collected from sample points.

A type of interpolation method where data points are connected with straight lines, forming triangles.

A method to analyze and interpret data points by assigning each point to a specific area, creating a map.

A method used to predict the behavior of locations not directly measured based on existing data, often used in spatial analysis and modeling.

A type of interpolation method that uses a weighted average of surrounding data points to estimate the value at a specific point.

A Geographic Information System (GIS) can be used to create maps that show variations in rainfall across an area, similar to how contour lines represent elevation changes.

A GIS can create a representation of elevation contours, showing changes in height across a landscape. This model is often referred to as a Digital Elevation Model (DEM).

GIS allows for the analysis of spatial connections between different geographic features - like adjacency (what's next to what), containment (what's inside what), and proximity (how close things are).

GIS can be used to model the flow of resources or information through a network, such as a river system, transportation network, or communication network.

GIS can be used to analyze the density, characteristics, and behavior of networks. This includes understanding how resources or information move through the network.

GIS can be used to create maps that show variations in slope or steepness across an area, which is important for understanding landform characteristics and terrain.

GIS can be used to model the potential impacts of events or activities on a network. This could include studying the spread of pollution from a factory or the impact of a road closure on traffic flow.

GIS can be used to calculate the direction of the steepest descent from any point on a surface, giving a visual representation of how water might flow across a terrain.