Introduction to GIS

1
Introduction to GIS

• Introduction to Precision Farming
• Kirkwood Community College
• AgScience

2
Objectives

• Students will be able to
• Describe a GIS
• List different GIS software
• Describe two basic components of a GIS
• Recognize differences between GIS and mapping
  software
• List 6 basic functions of a GIS

3
What is a GIS?

• Computerized Map
• Combines a map with database information about
  each feature on the map
• Analyze information about feature

4
Definitions

• Map a drawn representation of objects within
  the real world
• Object some physical thing that has a specific
  position and can be mapped
• Feature the representation of an object on a
  map
• Database - rows and columns of information as in
  a spreadsheet
• Rows in a GIS are called records because it is
  one record of an object
• Columns are called fields because it is one type
  of information (attribute) about each object

5
Examples of GIS software

• ESRI largest market share of GIS software
• ArcView most used software
• Most recent version - ArcView 9
• ArcInfo most advanced GIS
• Most recent version -ArcInfo 9
• ArcGIS suite of software that includes both
• SST Development Group, Inc.
• SST Toolbox
• SST Toolkit
• MapInfo, Corp.
• MapInfo
• Intergraph
• GeoMedia

6
Components of a GIS

• Map displays reference and thematic map layers.
  
• Each map layer has one type of feature
• Map layer can have from 1 to thousands of that
  feature
• Map layers can be grouped together
• Table stores and manipulates data about
  features in map layers
• Looks most like a spreadsheet
• Each feature on a map has one row in the table
• Table and Map are digitally connected

7
GIS vs Mapping software

• Mapping software provides a map for viewing or
  to create a simple map
• Difference?
• Does NOT allow storage of attributes
• Does NOT allow data to be analyzed
• Does NOT create thematic maps
• Examples
• FarmWorks
• DeLorme
• Mapquest

8
Functions of a GIS

• Viewing mapped features
• Storage of data
• Retrieval of data - Query
• Analyze data
• Manipulation of data/information
• Presentation of information

9
ArcGIS ArcView 9, ArcMap
10
Viewing mapped features

• ArcMap

11
Storage of data

• Table in ArcMap

12
Retrieval of data - Query

• Selection in ArcMap

13
Analyze data

• Toolbox in ArcMap

14
Manipulation of data/information

• Toolbox in ArcCatalog

15
Presentation of information

• Layout in ArcMap

16
Parts of the ArcMap Interface

• Menu bar
• contains commands for most ArcView functions
• divided into standard Windows functions
• Different for each

17
Parts of the ArcMap Interface

• Toolbar
• Buttons - work by clicking on once for task
• Tools - work by clicking on to turn tool and then
  using mouse to complete task

18
Parts of the ArcMap Interface

• Status

19
ArcMap Project