What is GIS (Geographic Information System)?

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a major limitation of automated mapping (AM) systems?

Inability to create 3-D graphic designs

Inability to perform spatial analysis

Limited database ability

Inability to relate different geographical layers (correct)

What is a key difference between how CAD and GIS view the world?

CAD views the world as a 3-D sphere, GIS as a 3-D cube

CAD views the world as a 2-D cube, GIS as a 2-D sphere

CAD views the world as a 3-D cube, GIS as a 3-D sphere (correct)

CAD views the world as a 2-D sphere, GIS as a 2-D cube

What percentage of local government activities are estimated to be geographically based?

80% (correct)

60%

70%

90%

What is an example of a business application of GIS?

Retail site selection and customer analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of scientific visualization systems?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a government application of GIS?

Public safety (fire and police) Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Esri to develop ARC/INFO, the first commercial GIS product?

The requirement to analyze a growing number of projects more effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a global GIS database?

To develop a comprehensive database covering all topics Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of GIS in modern times?

A tool for data sharing and cooperation, as well as creating custom digital map layers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of a GIS system?

It allows for the integration of multiple components to produce a system with many capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of maps created daily using GIS?

Billions Signup and view all the answers

What are the six components that make up a GIS system?

Hardware, software, network, methods, data, and people Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of storing vector system data in a specific format?

To efficiently store and process spatial data Signup and view all the answers

How does a computer differentiate between point, line, and polygon files when creating each?

By analyzing the structure and content of the file Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of a polygon file in a vector data storage system?

A string of points with the first and last points being identical Signup and view all the answers

Why do computers store points, lines, and polygons in separate files?

Because each feature type requires a specific file structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of repeating the first point in a polygon file?

To create a closed shape and define the polygon's boundary Signup and view all the answers

How are multiple points stored in a line file in a vector data storage system?

As a string of points connected by lines Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difficulty encountered with geographic data?

Modifiable Areal Unit Problem Signup and view all the answers

At what level is census data collected?

Household level Signup and view all the answers

What is affected by the aggregation units used in geographic data?

Statistics determined on the basis of data reported Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the size of the enumeration unit and the correlation between variables?

The bigger the unit, the greater the correlation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the statistical problem related to the MAUP?

Ecological fallacy Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of the effects of the MAUP?

Politicians defining electoral district boundaries Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Geographic Information System (GIS)?

To support decision making for planning and management of various aspects Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is GIS designed to collect, store, and analyze?

Both geographic coordinate data and attribute data Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the data GIS is designed to handle?

Geographic location is an important characteristic Signup and view all the answers

According to Burrough (1986), what is GIS a powerful set of tools for?

Collecting, storing, retrieving, transforming, and displaying spatial data Signup and view all the answers

What is a GIS defined as?

An information system that is used to input, store, retrieve, manipulate, analyze, and output geographically referenced data Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of data that GIS can manipulate?

Both spatial data and non-spatial data Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Limitations of Non-GIS Systems

Automated Mapping (AM) systems lack spatial analysis tools and the ability to relate different geographical layers.
Thematic mapping software (e.g., SAS/GRAPH, DIDS, business mapping software) is limited to 2D display devices and lacks spatial analysis tools.
Facility Management (FM) systems lack spatial analysis tools and have limited database ability.
CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/drafting) systems are primarily 3D graphic creation and display systems, lacking database ability and spatial analysis tools.
Scientific visualization systems lack database support and 2D spatial analysis tools.

Importance of GIS

80% of local government activities are estimated to be geographically based.
A significant portion of state government activities have a geographical component.
Businesses use GIS for various applications, including retail site selection, customer analysis, logistics, natural resource exploration, precision agriculture, civil engineering, and construction.

History of GIS

Esri developed the first commercial GIS product, ARC/INFO, in 1981.
Esri's work gained recognition from the academic community as a new way of doing spatial analysis and planning.

Components of a GIS

Hardware
Software
Network
Methods
Data
People

Vector Data Storage

Vector system data files store the coordinates of each node and vertex.
Different files are created for points, lines, and polygons due to different file structures.
Information on different features is stored in a database using point, line, and polygon files.

Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP)

Refers to the difficulty of geographic data being aggregates of data compiled at a more detailed level.
The aggregation units used are arbitrary, and the units used will affect statistics determined on the basis of the data.
If spatial units were specified differently, very different patterns and relationships might be observed.

What is GIS?

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system for collecting, storing, retrieving, manipulating, analyzing, and outputting geographically referenced data.
GIS is a set of tools that allow for the processing of spatial data into information.
GIS is designed for the collection, storage, and analysis of objects and phenomena where geographic location is an important characteristic.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about Geographic Information System (GIS), a set of tools for processing spatial data into information, used for planning and management of various aspects, including land use, natural resources, and more.