GIS331 Unit01 Notes.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HEADQUARTERS ACADEMIC GROUP PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY Unit 01 Notes Geographic Information Systems Academic Year 2024-2025  Date: 05 June 2024 Lesson No: 02...

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HEADQUARTERS ACADEMIC GROUP PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY Unit 01 Notes Geographic Information Systems Academic Year 2024-2025  Date: 05 June 2024 Lesson No: 02 Introduction to Information Systems Lesson Objectives: At the end of the lesson, each cadet should be able to 1. Define Information Systems, Information Management and Management of Information Systems 2. Discuss what Information Systems is and what Information Systems are used nowadays 3. Enumerate and discuss different Information Systems utilized by the Military INFORMATION MANAGEMENT Is defined as the collection, storage, management and maintenance of data and other types of information. It involves the gathering, dissemination, archiving and destruction of information in all its forms. Information management covers the procedures and guidelines organizations adopt to manage and communicate information among different individuals, departments and stakeholders. Information management focuses on the level of control an organization has over the information it produces. It requires building dedicated information management systems designed to help the company use its resources to support business processes. INFORMATION SYSTEMS An information system is a set of interrelated components that collect, manipulate, store data and disseminate information and provide a feedback mechanism to monitor performance. Information system, an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, and processing data and for providing information, knowledge, and digital products. Business firms and other organizations rely on information systems to carry out and manage their operations, interact with their customers and suppliers, and compete in the marketplace. Information systems are used to run interorganizational supply chains and electronic markets. Facts about information systems. Necessary for Businesses to Grow Every organisation has computer-related operations that are critical to getting the job done. In a business, there may be a need for computer software, implementation of network architecture to achieve the company’s objectives or designing apps, websites, or games. So, any company that is looking to secure its future needs to integrate a well-designed information system. Better Data Storage and Success Such a system is also useful for storing operational data, documents, communication records, and histories. As manual data may cost a lot of time, information systems can be very helpful in it. Information systems store data in a sophisticated manner, making the process of finding the data much easier. Better Decision Making Information system helps a business in its decision-making process. With an information system, delivering all the important information is easier to make better decisions. In addition, an information system allows employees to communicate effectively. As the documents are stored in folders, it is easier to share and access them with the employees. TYPES OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS 1. Transaction Processing System: Transaction processing is essential to helping businesses perform daily operations. Transactions are defined as any activity or event that affects the company, and include things like deposits, withdrawals, shipping, billing customers, order entry, and placing orders. The transaction processing system automates the transaction collection, modification, and retrieval process. The peculiar characteristic of this type of information system is that it increases the performance, reliability and consistency of business transactions. It helps businesses perform daily operations smoothly without hassle. Transaction Processing System are information system that processes data resulting from the occurrences of business transactions Their objectives are to provide transaction in order to update records and generate reports i.e to perform store keeping function. The transaction is performed in two ways: Batching processing and Online transaction processing. Batch processing – defined as a processing system whereby transactions are accumulated across a long time and processed all at once at a designated time. It accumulates transactions over time and GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  process periodically (all checks given to the bank will be processed). Examples include payroll processing per month as opposed on a daily basis Online processing – Or real-time processing. These systems are processing systems where transactions are processed at the very moment that they are created, providing feedback after processing in real-time. (Examples: ATM withdrawal, Airline bookings). 2. Office Automation System (OAS) An office automation system is an information system that automates different administrative processes like documenting, recording data, and office transactions, among others. The office automation system is divided into managerial and clerical activities. OAS consists of computers, communication- related technology, and the personnel assigned to perform the official tasks. The OAS covers office transactions and supports official activity at every level in the organization. The official activities are subdivided into managerial and clerical activities. Office automation systems include the following applications: Email: The email application also covers file attachments such as audio, video, and documents. Voice Mail: This application records and stores phone messages into the system’s memory and can be retrieved anytime. Word Processing: Word processing covers the creation of documents, including memos, reports, letters, and anything else that’s printable electronically. The created text can be copied, edited, and stored via word processing commands, and checked for grammar and spelling, line and word counting, and headers and footers. 3. Knowledge Work System (KWS) The KWS is a specialized system that expedites knowledge creation and ensures that the business's technical skills and knowledge are correctly applied. The Knowledge Work System aids workers in creating and disseminating new information using graphics, communication, and document management tools. Furthermore, KWS also offers support and resources to various knowledge creation techniques, artificial intelligence applications, and group collaboration systems for knowledge sharing, among others. It also uses graphics, visuals, etc., to disseminate new information. Below are some of the applications that work on the core fundamentals of KWS. Examples of KWS: Computer-Aided Design Systems (CAD): CAD systems automate design creation and revision via computers and graphics software, especially in the manufacturing and tooling processes. Financial Workstations: These systems pull and combine data from many different internal and external sources, covering research reports, market data, and management data. Financial workstations can rapidly analyze huge amounts of financial data and trading situations. Virtual Reality Systems: These systems take the CAD system to the next level, using interactive graphics utilities to create realistic computer-generated simulations. VR systems are typically found in scientific, educational, and business circles. 4. Decision Support System (DSS) A decision support system is an information system that analyses business data and other information related to the enterprise to offer automation in decision-making or problem-solving. A manager uses it in times of adversities arising during the operation of the business. Generally, the decision support system is used to collect information regarding revenue, sales figures or inventory. It is used across different industries, and the decision support system is a popular information system. Decision Support System is an interactive information system that provides information, models and data manipulation tools to help in making the decision in a semi-structured and unstructured situation. Decision Support System comprises tools and techniques to help in gathering relevant information and analyze the options and alternatives, the end user is more involved in creating DSS than an MIS. The DSS is a management-level, interactive computer-based information system that helps managers to make decisions. The Decision Support System specifically gives middle managers the information necessary to make informed, intelligent decisions. Decision Support Systems use different decision models to analyze or summarize large pieces of data into an easy-to-use form that makes it easier for managers to compare and analyze information. Often, these summaries come in the form of charts and tables. Examples: Financial planning systems, Bank loan management systems. 5. Executive Support System (ESS) GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  The ESS is like the MIS but for executive-level decision-making. The decisions involve company- wide matters, so the stakes are higher. Consequently, they demand more insight and judgment. The ESS provides greater telecommunication, better computing capabilities, and more efficient display options than the DSS. Executives use ESS to make effective decisions through summarized internal data taken from DSS and MIS and external sources. In addition, executive support systems help monitor performances, track competitors, spot opportunities, and forecast future trends. Expert systems include expertise in order to aid managers in diagnosing problems or in problem- solving. These systems are based on the principles of artificial intelligence research. Experts Systems is a knowledge-based information system. It uses its knowledge about a specify are to act as an expert consultant to users. Knowledgebase and software modules are the components of an expert system. These modules perform inference on the knowledge and offer answers to a user’s question Examples: Healthcare Industry: In a large hospital, an ESS can help top-level executives make strategic decisions regarding resource allocation, patient care quality, and overall operational efficiency. The system may analyze data from patient records, department performance, financial information, and more to provide insights on areas that need improvement, cost-saving opportunities, and trends in patient care. As a result, executives can develop strategies to achieve organizational goals while maintaining high patient satisfaction levels. Retail Industry: A global retail chain can utilize an ESS to track sales, inventory, customer data, and market trends across multiple stores and regions. This enables top-level management to make informed decisions on store expansions, product offerings, pricing strategies, and promotional activities. In response to shifts in consumer behavior or market conditions, the ESS can help identify opportunities for improvement and support the development of effective business strategies. Manufacturing Industry: In a manufacturing company, an ESS can provide senior executives with information on production processes, supply chain management, quality control, and financial metrics. By analyzing the collected data, executives can identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and potential risks in their operations and make strategic decisions to optimize production, reduce costs, and improve overall product quality. Additionally, the ESS can help monitor relevant industry trends and regulations, enabling the company to adapt its business strategies accordingly. 6. Management Information System (MIS) Middle managers handle much of the administrative chores for day-to-day routines and performance monitoring, ensuring that all the work is aligned with the organization's needs. That's why MIS is such a valuable tool. Management Information Systems are specially designed to help middle managers and supervisors make decisions, plan, and control the workflow. The MIS pulls transactional data from various Transactional Processing Systems, compiles the information, and presents it in reports and displays. Additionally, these reports can be produced monthly, quarterly, or annually, although MIS can have more immediate reports (e.g., hourly, daily). The management information system provides aid to managers by automating different processes that were initially done manually. Business activities like business performance tracking and analysis, making business decisions, making a business plan, and defining workflow. It also provides feedback to the managers by analyzing the roles and responsibilities. Management Information System is designed to take relatively raw data available through a Transaction Processing System and convert them into a summarized and aggregated form for the manager, usually in a report format. It reports tending to be used by middle management and operational supervisors. Many different types of report are produced in MIS. Some of the reports are a summary report, on-demand report, ad-hoc reports and an exception report. Example: Sales management systems, Human resource management system. A management information system is considered a significant application that helps managers immensely. Advantages of the MIS: It enhances the efficiency and productivity of the company It provides a clear picture of the organization’s performance It adds value to the existing products, introduces innovation and improves product development It assists in communication and planning for business processes It helps the organization provide a competitive advantage GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Date: 11 - 13 June 2024 Lesson No: 03-04 Introduction to Information Systems Lesson Objectives: At the end of the lesson, each cadet should be able to 1. Discuss different Information Systems activities 2. Enumerate and discuss the different components of Information Systems 3. Appreciate the individual functions of each component of an information system and how they work together to achieve synergy 4. Discuss the major uses of IS resources 5. Discuss the process of information systems and its applications Information System Activities: Three activities in an information system produce the information that organizations need to make decisions, control operations, analyze problems, and create new products or services. These activities are input, processing, and output. Input captures or collects raw data from within the organization or from its external environment. It is defined as everything that goes into the computer. Processing converts this raw input into a meaningful form. Output transfers the processed information to the people who will use it or to the activities for which it will be used. Information systems also require feedback, which is output that is returned to appropriate members of the organization to help them evaluate or correct the input stage. Components of an Information System GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Hardware Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical components of an analog or digital computer. The term hardware distinguishes the tangible aspects of a computing device from software, which consists of written, machine-readable instructions or programs that tell physical components what to do and when to execute the instructions. Computer hardware can be categorized as being either internal or external components. Generally, internal hardware components are those necessary for the proper functioning of the computer, while external hardware components are attached to the computer to add or enhance functionality. Internal computer hardware components Internal components collectively process or store the instructions delivered by the program or operating system (OS). These include the following: Motherboard. This is a printed circuit board that holds the central processing unit (CPU) and other essential internal hardware and functions as the central hub that all other hardware components run through. CPU. The CPU is the brain of the computer that processes and executes digital instructions from various programs; its clock speed determines the computer's performance and efficiency in processing data. RAM. RAM -- or dynamic RAM -- is temporary memory storage that makes information immediately accessible to programs; RAM is volatile memory, so stored data is cleared when the computer powers off. Hard drive. Hard disk drives are physical storage devices that store both permanent and temporary data in different formats, including programs, OSes, device files, photos, etc. Solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are solid-state storage devices based on NAND flash memory technology; SSDs are non-volatile, so they can safely store data even when the computer is powered down. Optical drive. Optical drives typically reside in an on-device drive bay; they enable the computer to read and interact with nonmagnetic external media, such as compact disc read-only memory or digital video discs. Heat sink. This is a passive piece of hardware that draws heat away from components to regulate/reduce their temperature to help ensure they continue to function properly. Typically, a heat sink is installed directly atop the CPU, which produces the most heat among internal components. Graphics processing unit. This chip-based device processes graphical data and often functions as an extension to the main CPU. Network interface card (NIC). A NIC is a circuit board or chip that enables the computer to connect to a network; also known as a network adapter or local area network adapter, it typically supports connection to an Ethernet network. Other computing components, such as USB ports, power supplies, transistors and chips, are also types of internal hardware. External hardware components External hardware components, also called peripheral components, are those items that are often externally connected to the computer to control either input or output functions. These hardware devices are designed to either provide instructions to the software (input) or render results from its execution (output). Mouse. A mouse is a hand-held pointing device that moves a cursor around a computer screen and enables interaction with objects on the screen. It may be wired or wireless. Keyboard. A keyboard is an input device featuring a standard QWERTY keyset that enables users to input text, numbers or special characters. Microphone. A microphone is a device that translates sound waves into electrical signals and supports computer- based audio communications. Camera. A camera captures visual images and streams them to the computer or through a computer to a network device. Touchpad. A touchpad is an input device, external or built into a laptop, used to control the pointer on a display screen. It is typically an alternative to an external mouse. USB flash drive. A USB flash drive is an external, removable storage device that uses flash memory and interfaces with a computer through a USB port. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Memory card. A memory card is a type of portable external storage media, such as a CompactFlash card, used to store media or data files. Monitor. A monitor is an output device similar to a TV screen that displays information, documents or images generated by the computing device. Printer. Printers render electronic data from a computer into printed material. Speaker. A speaker is an external audio output device that connects to a computer to generate a sound output. Headphones, earphones, earbuds. Similar to speakers, these devices provide audio output that's audible only to a single listener. Software The two main categories of software are application software and system software. An application is software that fulfills a specific need or performs tasks. Examples: Microsoft Office Application, Games, Social Media messaging, etc System software is designed to run a computer's hardware and provides a platform for applications to run on top of. Examples: Windows OS, utilities (disk cleanup etc) In addition: Driver software. Also known as device drivers, this software is often considered a type of system software. Device drivers control the devices and peripherals connected to a computer, enabling them to perform their specific tasks. Every device that is connected to a computer needs at least one device driver to function. Examples include software that comes with any nonstandard hardware, including special game controllers, as well as the software that enables standard hardware, such as USB storage devices, keyboards, headphones and printers. Middleware. The term middleware describes software that mediates between application and system software or between two different kinds of application software. For example, middleware enables Microsoft Windows to talk to Excel and Word. It is also used to send a remote work request from an application in a computer that has one kind of OS, to an application in a computer with a different OS. It also enables newer applications to work with legacy ones. Programming software. Computer programmers use programming software to write code. Programming software and programming tools enable developers to develop, write, test and debug other software programs. Examples of programming software include assemblers, compilers, debuggers and interpreters. Network Used to connect computers and computer equipment in a building, around the country, across the world, to enable electronic communications. A computer network is a group of interconnected nodes or computing devices that exchange data and resources with each other. Computer networking refers to interconnected computing devices that can exchange data and share resources with each other. These networked devices use a system of rules, called communications protocols, to transmit information over physical or wireless technologies. TYPES OF NETWORK Local area network (LAN) A local area network, or LAN, is the most common network type. It allows users to connect within a short distance in a common area. Once they connect, users have access to the same resources. For example, you might use a LAN when you connect your laptop to the internet at your home and print a document from a printer on the same network. Wide area network (WAN) A wide area network, or a WAN, is an extensive network that's not confined to geographical space. Corporations and international companies may use WANs to provide a common network with far-reaching connectivity. For example, remote workers who use the internet to access information from their company make use of a WAN. Personal area network (PAN) A personal area network, or PAN, is a small-scale network that revolves around one person or device. A PAN connects just a few devices in a small localized area. Rather than including many devices, PANs usually operate from one or two main devices. For example, if you use the Bluetooth functionality on your smartphone to share a photo with a nearby device, you're using a PAN. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Wireless local area network (WLAN) A wireless local area network, or WLAN, operates similarly to a LAN because it transmits data within a small area. It's rarely necessary to have a wired connection for devices that use a WLAN. While typically less secure and slightly weaker than other networks, a WLAN provides users with the flexibility to use their devices in various locations. For example, a user might connect a baby monitor to a WLAN to ensure the device remains operational wherever their child sleeps. Campus area network (CAN) A campus area network, or CAN, is a network used in educational environments such as universities or school districts. While each department in a school might use its own LAN, all the school's LANs could connect through a CAN. Campus area networks combine several independent networks into one cohesive unit. For example, the English and engineering departments at a university might connect through a CAN to communicate with each other directly. Metropolitan area network (MAN) A metropolitan area network, or a MAN, is a medium-sized network that's larger than a CAN. While a MAN is a costly network, it provides efficient connectivity between devices across a wide geographical range. For example, a city government might operate with a MAN if it has offices across the entire metropolitan area. Storage area network (SAN) A storage area network, or a SAN, is a network that teams use to store mass amounts of sensitive data. It provides a way to centralize data on a non-localized network that differs from the main operating one. One example of a SAN is if your team stores customer information on a separate network to maintain the high speeds of your main network. Passive optical local area network (POLAN) A passive optical local area network, or a POLAN, is a low-cost network that can link various locations to one central network. POLANs have the power to connect multiple entities to one hub of information. For example, if a school district's headquarters needs to connect with each school in its district, it may implement a POLAN. Enterprise private network (EPN) An enterprise private network, or an EPN, is an exclusive network that businesses build and operate to share company resources at high speeds. EPNs are typically unique to a specific company, which ensures the connection is secure. For example, a high-security technology company might use an EPN to reduce the risk of data breaches. Virtual private network (VPN) A virtual private network, or VPN, is a private network that's available through the internet. This type of network functions similarly to an EPN because it provides a secure, private connection. VPNs typically don't require the same infrastructure as EPNs. Both the general public and companies can use VPNs to ensure privacy and security. System-area network (SAN) A system area network, or a SAN, is a broad local network that provides connections in clusters. The various devices connected to a SAN operate as a single system. SANs are newly developing networks that operate at high speeds NETWORK TOPOLOGIES: Point to point topology Point to point is a simple topology that directly links two nodes and reserves the entire bandwidth of the connection for them to communicate with one another. Physically, point-to-point connections rely on a cable or wire that connects the two endpoints. However, logical topological connections using satellite links and microwaves are more common nowadays. Bus topology In a bus topology, all the nodes are linked using a single cable with a terminator on both ends. This configuration sees one main cable acting as the backbone for the whole network. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Ring topology In a ring topology, each node is linked with its neighbor to form a closed network. This configuration sees the data move from one node to another, either unidirectionally or bidirectionally. Such network topology is used in smaller networks, like those in schools. Star topology In a star topology, all nodes are connected to a central hub using a communication link. Each node needs a separate wire to establish a point-to-point connection with the hub, which functions as a server to control and manage the entire network. Tree topology In a tree topology, nodes are arranged in a configuration that resembles a tree’s leaves, branches, and trunk. Endpoints, or ‘leaves,’ are connected to mid-level nodes or ‘branches’ linked to the tree’s ‘trunk.’ The trunk is the backbone connection that links multiple mid-level nodes. Mesh topology In a mesh topology, all the nodes are interconnected and can send and receive their data and relay data from other nodes. Hybrid topology A hybrid network topology, as the name suggests, features characteristics of multiple other topologies. The creation of such a configuration depends on the requirement of the network. Daisy chain topology Finally, the daisy chain topology links nodes in a sequence. Data is transferred from one node to the next until it reaches its destination. The two types of a daisy chain network topology are linear daisy chain and ring daisy chain. Readings: https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/networking/articles/what-is-network-topology/ Data Data is a collection of facts and information. For example, serial number, name, street address, city, and phone number are all pieces of data that help describe a person. Like software, data is intangible. Also, by itself, data is not particularly useful. However, aggregated, indexed, and organized data is a powerful tool for organizations. Organizations collect all sorts of data and use this data to make informed decisions. These decisions can then be analyzed based on their effectiveness. This additional analysis and data dissection help improve the organization. Data Represented by Alphanumeric data Numbers, letters, and other characters Image data Graphic images or pictures Audio data Sound, noise, tones Video data Moving images or pictures People Possibly the most important component of information systems is the human element: the people that are needed to run the system and the procedures they follow so that the knowledge in the huge databases and data warehouses can be turned into learning that can interpret what has happened in the past and guide future action. The Creators of Information Systems - play a role in designing, developing, and building information systems. These people are generally very technical and have a background in programming and mathematics. Systems Analyst The role of the systems analyst is to straddle the divide between identifying business needs and imagining a new or redesigned computer-based system to fulfill those needs. Generally, this will require the analyst to have a good understanding of the business itself , the business processes involved, and the ability to document them well. The analyst will identify the different stakeholders in the system and work to involve the appropriate individuals in the process. A systems analyst generally is not the one who does the actual development of the information system. In other cases, the system may be assembled from off-the-shelf components by a person called a systems integrator. This is a specific type of systems analyst that understands how to get different software packages to work with each other. Programmer Programmers spend their time writing computer code in a programming language. In the case of systems development, programmers generally attempt to fulfill the design specifications given to them by a systems analyst. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Computer Engineer Computer engineers design the computing devices that we use every day. There are many types of computer engineers, who work on a variety of different types of devices and systems. Example: Hardware engineer, Software engineer, Systems engineer, Network engineer. Information-Systems Operations and Administration Another group of information-systems professionals are involved in the day-to-day operations and administration of IT. These people must keep the systems running and up-to-date so that the rest of the organization can make the most effective use of these resources. Computer Operator A computer operator is the person who keeps the large computers running. This person’s job is to oversee the mainframe computers and data centers in organizations. Some of their duties include keeping the operating systems up to date, ensuring available memory and disk storage, and overseeing the physical environment of the computer. Database Administrator A database administrator (DBA) is the person who manages the databases for an organization. This person creates and maintains databases that are used as part of applications or the data warehouse. The DBA also consults with systems analysts and programmers on projects that require access to or the creation of databases. Help-Desk/Support Analyst Most mid-size to large organizations have their own information-technology help desk. The help desk is the first line of support for computer users in the company. Computer users who are having problems or need information can contact the help desk for assistance. Many times, a help-desk worker is a junior-level employee who does not necessarily know how to answer all of the questions that come his or her way. In these cases, help-desk analysts work with senior-level support analysts or have a computer knowledgebase at their disposal to help them investigate the problem at hand. Trainer A computer trainer conducts classes to teach people specific computer skills. Managing Information Systems The management of information-systems functions is critical to the success of information systems within the organization. Here are some of the jobs associated with the management of information systems. CIO The CIO, or chief information officer, is the head of the information-systems function. This person aligns the plans and operations of the information systems with the strategic goals of the organization. This includes tasks such as budgeting, strategic planning, and personnel decisions for the information-systems function. The CIO must also be the face of the IT department within the organization. This involves working with senior leaders in all parts of the organization to ensure good communication and planning. Functional Manager As an information-systems organization becomes larger, many of the different functions are grouped together and led by a manager. These functional managers report to the CIO and manage the employees specific to their function. ERP Management Organizations using an ERP require one or more individuals to manage these systems. These people make sure that the ERP system is completely up to date, work to implement any changes to the ERP that are needed, and consult with various user departments on needed reports or data extracts. Project Managers Information-systems projects are notorious for going over budget and being delivered late. In many cases, a failed IT project can spell doom for a company. A project manager is responsible for keeping projects on time and on budget. This person works with the stakeholders of the project to keep the team organized and communicates the status of the project to management. A project manager does not have authority over the project team; instead, the project manager coordinates schedules and resources in order to maximize the project outcomes. A project manager must be a good communicator and an extremely organized person. A project manager should also have good people skills. Information-Security Officer An information-security officer is in charge of setting information-security policies for an organization, and then overseeing the implementation of those policies. This person may have one or more people reporting to them as part of the information-security team. As information has become a critical asset, this position has become highly GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  valued. The information-security officer must ensure that the organization’s information remains secure from both internal and external threats. Emerging Roles As technology evolves, many new roles are becoming more common as other roles fade. For example, as we enter the age of “big data,” we are seeing the need for more data analysts and business-intelligence specialists. Many companies are now hiring social-media experts and mobile-technology specialists. The increased use of cloud computing and virtual-machine technologies also is breeding demand for expertise in those areas. Processes Series of steps undertaken to achieve a desired outcome or goal Converts data to information The last component of an information system is the process. A process is a series of steps undertaken to achieve a desired outcome or goal. Information systems are becoming increasingly integrated with organizations’ processes. This integration brings more productivity and better control to those processes. However, simply automating activities using technology is not enough. Businesses looking to use information systems effectively need to do more. The ultimate goal is to use technology to manage and improve processes within a company and externally with suppliers and customers. Buzzwords like “business process reengineering” and “business process management” all have to do with the continuous improvement of these business processes. Businesses hoping to gain an advantage over their competitors should focus highly on this aspect of their information system. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Date: 18 June 2024 Lesson No: 05-06 Introduction to GIS Lesson Objectives: At the end of the lesson, each cadet should be able to 1. Understand the fundamental theory of map-making process and cartography 2. Define Geographic Information System (GIS) and understand its applications in various fields 3. Identify and explain the components of a GIS including spatial data, attribute data and software tools Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - A framework to organize, communicate, and understand the science of our world - Framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates many types of data. - It analyzes spatial location and organizes layers of information into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes. With this unique capability, GIS reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, relationships, and situations—helping users make smarter decisions. (ESRI) What is GIS and where is it used? - Identify Problems – Use GIS to illuminate issues that are driven by geography - Monitor Change – GIS is used to tell a thousand pictures with the use of maps - Manage and Respond to Events – GIS delivers real-time situational awareness - Perform Forecasting – GIS forecasts different events such as traffic situations, landslides, etc. - Set Priorities - GIS helps to set priorities based on spatial analysis. By analyzing crime patterns, public safety officials can identify target areas and assign officers in those areas. - Understand Trends - GIS helps you gain insight into data that might be missed in a spreadsheet. How GIS Works GIS technology applies geographic science with tools for understanding and collaboration. It helps people reach a common goal: to gain actionable intelligence from all types of data. Components of GIS Similar to other information technologies, GIS requires the following components besides geospatial data. - Hardware - Hardware is the computer on which a GIS operates. Today, GIS software runs on a wide range of hardware types, from centralized computer servers to desktop computers used in stand-alone or networked configurations. - Software - GIS software provides the functions and tools needed to store, analyze, and display geographic - information. Key software components are: (1) Tools for the input and manipulation of geographic information; (2) A database management system (DBMS); (3) Tools that support geographic query, analysis, and visualization; and (4) A graphical user interface (GUI) for easy access to tools - Data - Possibly the most important component of a GIS is the data. Geographic data and related tabular data can be collected in-house or purchased from a commercial data provider. A GIS will integrate spatial data with other data resources and can even use a DBMS, used by most organizations to organize and maintain their data, to manage spatial data. - People - GIS technology is of limited value without the people who manage the system and develop plans for applying it to real world problems. GIS users range from technical specialists who design and maintain the system to those who use it to help them perform their everyday work. - Methods - A successful GIS operates according to a well-designed plan and business rules, which are the models and operating practices unique to each organization. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Date: 25 June 2024 Lesson No: 07 Elements of GIS Lesson Objectives: At the end of the lesson, each cadet should be able to 1. Understand the elements of GIS 2. Familiarize with the concepts of the Coordinate System 3. Understand the scaling and the coordinate system Elements of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Geospatial Data Geospatial data is time-based data that is related to a specific location on the Earth’s surface. It can provide insights into relationships between variables and reveal patterns and trends. Geospatial data is information that describes objects, events or other features with a location on or near the surface of the earth. Geospatial data typically combines location information (usually coordinates on the earth) and attribute information (the characteristics of the object, event or phenomena concerned) with temporal information (the time or life span at which the location and attributes exist). The location provided may be static in the short term (for example, the location of a piece of equipment, an earthquake event, children living in poverty) or dynamic (for example, a moving vehicle or pedestrian, the spread of an infectious disease). Geospatial data typically involves large sets of spatial data gleaned from many diverse sources in varying formats and can include information such as census data, satellite imagery, weather data, cell phone data, drawn images and social media data. Geospatial data is most useful when it can be discovered, shared, analyzed and used in combination with traditional business data. Geospatial analytics is used to add timing and location to traditional types of data and to build data visualizations. These visualizations can include maps, graphs, statistics and cartograms that show historical changes and current shifts. This additional context allows for a more complete picture of events. Insights that might be overlooked in a massive spreadsheet are revealed in easy-to-recognize visual patterns and images. This can make predictions faster, easier and more accurate. Types of geospatial data Geospatial data is information recorded with a geographic indicator of some type. There are two primary forms of geospatial data: vector data and raster data. Vector data is data in which points, lines and polygons represent features such as properties, cities, roads, mountains and bodies of water. For example, a visual representation that uses vector data might include houses represented by points, roads represented by lines and entire towns represented by polygons. Raster data is pixelated or gridded cells identified according to row and column. Raster data creates imagery that’s substantially more complex, such as photographs and satellite images. Examples of geospatial data Vectors and attributes: Descriptive information about a location such as points, lines and polygons. Point clouds: A collection of colocated charted points that can be recontextured as 3D models. Raster and satellite imagery: High-resolution images of our world, taken from above. Census data: Released census data tied to specific geographic areas, for the study of community trends. Cell phone data: Calls are routed by satellite, based on GPS location coordinates. Drawn images: CAD images of buildings or other structures, delivering geographic information and architectural data. Social media data: Social media posts that data scientists can study to identify emerging trends. Data Acquisition The processes of data acquisition are also variously referred to as data capture, data automation, data conversion, data transfer, data translation, and digitizing. A key success factor for any GIS is the acquisition of data appropriate for the applications identified in the needs assessment stage. Data acquisition traditionally is the most costly component of a GIS project. (approx. 80%). It is important to determine exactly what data is required in terms of accuracy, resolution, GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  scale, completeness, and consistency. Data availability and data quality requirements affect the time taken and cost incurred in database development. For the data acquisition of linear objects (roads, railways, power lines, etc.) aerial laser scanning and photography is used. For the data acquisition on the national level independent aerial laser scanning is applied. For the data acquisition at small areas or for individual objects digital camera with calibrated metric lens or calibrated video cameras are used. For more precise works at small surfaces terrestrial laser scanner or modern geodetic instruments are used. For the cadastral or topographic surveys GNSS instrument is used. Its type and survey method differ according to the required plane and/or height precision of the measured positions. Data sets required include the following: Data Management Data management is the practice of collecting, storing, and using data securely and efficiently, helping organizations make informed decisions. From imagery to 3D, real-time, and unstructured data, the volume and types of data are constantly increasing. In the GIS world, you will encounter many different GIS file formats. Some file formats are unique to specific GIS applications, others are universal. For this course, we will focus on a subset of spatial data file formats: shapefiles for vector data, Image and GeoTiff files for rasters and file geodatabases and geopackages for both vector and raster data. Data Display/Visualization Data visualization is a way of presenting information graphically by using various means, such as charts, graphs, and maps, of course. With GIS map data you can see how clients’ houses are distributed in different GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  locations throughout certain areas (municipality, country, or the country). By utilizing a density map that reveals a retail chain where users can click on the point to receive more data. Here are the ways how you can utilize geo data mapping: Map markers. With their help, you can reveal markers for different areas. They can be either static image markers or bubble markers. Density maps are used to better understand patterns and courses with the help of color gradients depending on the combination of the data. Colored two-dimensional map areas represent countries, counties, states, etc. Users can color-code them depending on the value or the significance. Data Exploration Data exploration refers to the initial step in data analysis in which data analysts use data visualization and statistical techniques to describe dataset characterizations, such as size, quantity, and accuracy, in order to better understand the nature of the data. Data exploration techniques include both manual analysis and automated data exploration software solutions that visually explore and identify relationships between different data variables, the structure of the dataset, the presence of outliers, and the distribution of data values in order to reveal patterns and points of interest, enabling data analysts to gain greater insight into the raw data. Data is often gathered in large, unstructured volumes from various sources and data analysts must first understand and develop a comprehensive view of the data before extracting relevant data for further analysis, such as univariate, bivariate, multivariate, and principal components analysis. Data Exploration Tools Manual data exploration methods entail either writing scripts to analyze raw data or manually filtering data into spreadsheets. Automated data exploration tools, such as data visualization software, help data scientists easily monitor data sources and perform big data exploration on otherwise overwhelmingly large datasets. Graphical displays of data, such as bar charts and scatter plots, are valuable tools in visual data exploration. A popular tool for manual data exploration is Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, which can be used to create basic charts for data exploration, to view raw data, and to identify the correlation between variables. To identify the correlation between two continuous variables in Excel, use the function CORREL() to return the correlation. To identify the correlation between two categorical variables in Excel, the two-way table method, the stacked column chart method, and the chi-square test are effective. There is a wide variety of proprietary automated data exploration solutions, including business intelligence tools, data visualization software, data preparation software vendors, and data exploration platforms. There are also open source data exploration tools that include regression capabilities and visualization features, which can help businesses integrate diverse data sources to enable faster data exploration. Most data analytics software includes data visualization tools. Why is Data Exploration Important? Humans process visual data better than numerical data, therefore it is extremely challenging for data scientists and data analysts to assign meaning to thousands of rows and columns of data points and communicate that meaning without any visual components. Data visualization in data exploration leverages familiar visual cues such as shapes, dimensions, colors, lines, points, and angles so that data analysts can effectively visualize and define the metadata, and then perform data cleansing. Performing the initial step of data exploration enables data analysts to better understand and visually identify anomalies and relationships that might otherwise go undetected. What is Exploratory Data Analysis? Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), similar to data exploration, is a statistical technique to analyze data sets for their broad characteristics. Visualization tools for exploratory data analysis such as HEAVY.AI's Immerse platform enable interactivity with raw data sets, giving analysts increased visibility into the patterns and relationships within the data. Data Exploration in GIS GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a framework for gathering and analyzing data connected to geographic locations and their relation to human or natural activity on Earth. With so much of the world's data now being location-enriched, geospatial analysts are faced with a rapidly increasing volume of geospatial data. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Advanced GIS software solutions and tools can facilitate the incorporation of spatio-temporal analysis into existing big data analytics workflows, enabling data analysts to easily create and share intuitive data visualizations that will aid in spatial data exploration. The ability to characterize and narrow down raw data is an essential step for spatial data analysts who may be faced with millions of polygons and billions of mapped points. For example, learn about the ways GIS technologies are improving disaster response operations. Data Analysis Geospatial data analysis involves collecting, combining, and visualizing various types of geospatial data. It is used to model and represent how people, objects, and phenomena interact within space, as well as to make predictions based on trends in the relationships between places. 4 benefits of using geospatial data in analytics 1. Geospatial big data analytics makes trends regarding space and time more visually obvious than they would be in a massive set of raw data. This, in turn, offers many advantages over analyzing datasets without this type of context. To illustrate, here are 4 benefits of using geospatial data in analytics: 2. Identifying spatial patterns and trends – Some relationships and connections cannot be understood without factoring in “where” (or “when”) they are occurring. 3. More opportunities for segmentation – When location is added as a component of an analysis, you can begin to segment and filter based on geography, which makes your entire analysis more detailed. 4. Modeling the real world – Everything has a geographical position, so analysis without location is already missing a key component. Geospatial data enables you to model the real world, often within real time. 5. Accurate predictions lead to better decision-making – When you study a phenomenon over time in the context of a particular location, you begin to better understand why it happens where and when it does. This helps you better predict not only what will happen, but also when and where it will happen. Then you can plan out how you might react to (or even influence) future events. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Date: 27 June 2024 Lesson No: 08 Data Management in GIS Lesson Objectives: At the end of the lesson, each cadet should be able to 1. Understand the process of acquiring spatial data from various sources, such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, GPS data and existing databases 2. Identify and differentiate between different types of spatial data, including vector data (points, lines, polygons) and raster data (grids or images) 3. Learn how to effectively manage spatial data, including data organization, storage, retrieval and updating. 4. Understand file formats and database structures commonly used in GIS. Major types of GIS File Formats VECTOR DATA: A representation of the world using points, lines, and polygons. Vector models are useful for storing data that has discrete boundaries, such as country borders, land parcels, and streets. File formats include:.shp,.tab,.mfd,.gpkg,.geojson RASTER DATA: A representation of the world as a surface divided into a regular grid of cells. Raster models are useful for storing data that varies continuously, as in an aerial photograph, a satellite image, or an elevation surface. File format includes:.tiff, GeoTiff, ESRI Grid,.jpg2000,.ecw,.img GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Vector vs Raster Data Overlaying of Vector Datasets DATA SOURCES for GIS GIS map is dynamic and interactive. It can reveal previously unseen features by highlighting them and show change of these features over time, based on the given attributes. Since human eyes are wired to respond to different colors and shapes, a GIS map usually transforms real-world geospatial data into colored patterns or shapes. This speeds up processing of information, which leads to faster and better-informed decisions. As far as the purely technical side of GIS mapping goes, the system ties a geospatial point containing latitude and longitude to a specific data element. Then a spatial analysis measures the distance between these points and determines the relationship between them, to better understand the planet. Using this technology, geographers and other GIS professionals can visualize various kinds of statistics, including client base distribution and demand for a product or service, demographic facts, and other data. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Types Of Mapping In GIS Depending on what exactly needs to be visualized, there are many different types of mapping in GIS. It can be anything from population density to crop classification. Some of the most common types of GIS maps are: category, heat, cluster, bubble, and quantity ones. Category Maps When you need to understand exactly which portions on the map correspond to which data segment, there is nothing else like a category GIS map. This is by far one of the most common types of GIS mapping, since it is the easiest to create. A specific category, or attribute, is assigned its own distinct color. The result is a convenient map of differently colored patches, each representing a particular category. Heat Maps Often mistakenly applied to quantity maps, the term “GIS heat map” actually describes a unique mapping convention. When the data you need to represent on the map is incredibly dense and mixed up, a general idea of “warmer” and “cooler” regions can help. Especially, if you know that the hottest spots represent the highest density of the given quantity. It is more or less universally accepted that red stands for heat, while blue means cold. Not that it is incredibly precise, but it definitely provides a rough picture of quantity distribution. Cluster Maps This type successfully combines the use of colors, shapes, and labels to cluster densely packed points of data together. In other words, there are too many points to be displayed individually on the GIS map, so they are fused into a single cluster point for convenience. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Bubble Maps A bubble GIS map is an example of using shapes and the difference in their size to simplify the layout of complex numerical data. For example, imagine you need to compare the amount of people using certain slang words for different locations. Bigger and smaller bubbles on the GIS map will represent more and less people, respectively. Instead of boring rows and columns of numbers, you get bubbles. This provides a quick general understanding of the relationship between quantities and locations at a glance, saving time and effort. Quantity Maps A GIS quantity map is color-coded, but uses different shades of the same color to show the variety in quantities of something depicted on the map. It is a perfect GIS mapping solution to the problem of visualizing a lot of detailed data spread over a large area. General Reference Maps These are simple maps showing important physical (natural and man–made) features in an area. Their main purpose is to summarise the landscape to aid discovery of locations. They are usually easy to read and understand. Most of the early mapping of the Earth falls into this group. General Reference maps often enlarge or emphasis some features to aid users. For example, road maps show roads boldly and may use road widths and colour to distinguish between major and minor roads. As a general rule, General Reference Maps would only show relief (the difference in height between features on the map) in a stylised manner. Street and tourist maps are good examples of general reference maps. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Topographic Maps Like General Reference Maps, Topographic Maps are a summary of the landscape and show important physical (natural and man-made) features in an area. The primary difference is that they show elevation in detail. Characteristics of topographic maps include: they show elevation using contour lines. Put simply, a contour line is a line which joins points of equal elevation above sea level they have an emphasis on showing human settlement (roads, cities, buildings etc), but may include some thematic information such as vegetation or the boundaries of national parks they are typically produced by government agencies – these are often specialist mapping agencies and may have either a civilian or defence purpose they have well defined standards (called Specifications) which are strictly adhered to – these vary between mapping agencies and the scale of the map they have very good location reference systems – including latitude and longitude, but may also have grid lines often have additional information such as an arrow pointing to Magnetic North as well as True North. As there is an exceptionally large amount of information about Topographic Maps available online (more so than any other form of mapping) we shall give a very simple overview of it. Topographic maps are usually part of a series of maps, but may be one–off / stand–alone maps. Administrative Maps A map that contains graphically recorded information pertaining to administrative matters, such as supply and evacuati on installations, personnel installations, medical facilities, collecting points for stragglers and enemy prisoners of war, tr ain bivouacs, service and maintenance areas, main supply roads, traffic circulation, boundaries, and other details nece ssary to show the administrative situation. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Thematic Maps A thematic map is a specialized map made to visualize a particular subject or theme about a geographic area. Thematic maps can portray physical, social, political, cultural, economic, sociological, or any other aspects of a city, state, region, nation, continent, or the entire globe. A thematic map is designed to serve a special purpose or to illustrate a particular subject, in contrast to a general map, on which a variety of phenomena appear together, such as landforms, lines of transportation, settlements, and political boundaries. This is in direct contrast to a reference map or Topographic map, which are designed to show the location of visible features of the landscape with minimal interpretation and intended to be used for a wide variety of purposes. Thematic maps also portray basic features such as coastlines, boundaries and places, but they are only used as a point of locational reference for the phenomenon being mapped. Thematic maps also emphasize spatial variation of one or a number of geographic distributions. These distributions may be physical phenomena such as climate or human characteristics such as population density and health issues. Barbara Petchenik described the difference as "in place, about space." While general reference maps show where something is in space, thematic maps tell a story about that place based on spatial patterns. Thematic maps are sometimes referred to as graphic essays because they display spatial variations and interrelationships of geographical distributions that can be interpreted. Remote Sensing Data Maps Remote sensing is the process of detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation at a distance (typically from satellite or aircraft). Special cameras collect remotely sensed images, which help researchers "sense" things about the Earth. Remote sensing is a type of geospatial technology that samples emitted and reflected electromagnetic (EM) radiation from the Earth’s terrestrial, atmospheric, and aquatic ecosystems in order to detect and monitor the physical characteristics of an area without making physical contact. This method of data collection typically involves aircraft- based and satellite-based sensor technologies, which are classified as either passive sensors or active sensors. GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Primary Data Capture Raster data capture - Remote sensing images -The science and art of getting information about an object, area, or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by the sensor that is not in direct contact with the subject under study is defined as remote sensing. Basically, remote sensing is a multidisciplinary science that combines many fields like optics, spectroscopy, photography, computers, electronics, and telecommunication, among others. Remote sensing is the name given to the process of integrating all these technologies into one functioning system. A geographic information system geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system that collects, stores, verifies, and displays information about locations on the surface of the Earth. Streets, buildings, and plants can all be displayed on a single map using GIS. As a result, people can recognize, evaluate, and comprehend patterns and correlations more quickly. - Aerial photographs – Captured using cameras in a high place/high ground such as buildings, helicopters, airplanes, etc - Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) – Drones are examples of UAV - GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Vector data capture - Surveying - Ground survey - Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) ex GPS Secondary Geographic Data Capture Raster data capture using scanners - Scanning of analog maps and charts - Georeferencing scanned maps GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes  Vector data capture - Tracing georeferenced images - Editing DATA COLLECTION and WORKFLOW 1. Planning Establishing user requirements Garnering resources Developing a project plan 2. Preparation Obtaining data Map scanning Georeferencing 3. Digitizing Stages where the majority of the effort will be expended 4. Editing Covers many techniques designed to validate data, as well as correct errors and improve quality 5. Evaluation Process of identifying project successes and failures GIS 331 Unit 01 Notes