An introduction to

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An introduction to
G I S
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• AIM To introduce the basic principles of GIS
• After this lecture you should be able to
• Provide a definition, and brief description of
  the historical development, of GIS
• Describe the main components required to run a
  successful GIS
• Give examples of some GIS applications

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What is GIS?

• A technology
• hardware software tools
• An information handling strategy
• The objective to improve overall decision making

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GIS a formal definition

• A system for capturing, storing, checking,
  integrating, manipulating, analysing and
  displaying data which are spatially referenced to
  the Earth. This is normally considered to involve
  a spatially referenced computer database and
  appropriate applications software
• Chorley Report, 1987

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Why is GIS unique?

• GIS handles SPATIAL information
• Information referenced by its location in space
• GIS makes connections between activities based on
  spatial proximity

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GIS concepts are not new!

• London cholera epidemic 1854

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Spatial information handling 1854
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GIS historical background

• This technology has developed from
• Digital cartography and CAD
• Data Base Management Systems

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GIS components
Spatial data
G I S
?
Computer hardware / software tools
Specific applications / decision making
objectives
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Types of data
Spatial
non-spatial
Maps
Schematic diagrams
Images
Oblique photographs
Videography
Films
Postcodes/ZIP codes
Financial statements
KT1 2EE RH8 9AA SW1P 3AD
12,000 23.45 56789 23,456 12.45
23456 45,987 29.57 87634
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What makes data spatial?
Grid co-ordinate
Placename
Latitude / Longitude
Postcode
Description
Distance bearing
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Software hardware tools

• High End toolkits
• Desktop Mapping
• Web enabled
• Component

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Manipulation and analysis

• What would happen if . . .
• A chemical leaked into a river?
• Where does . . .
• The Green Belt exist in relation to the City?
• Has . . .
• Population changed over the last ten years?
• Is there a spatial pattern related to . . .
• Car ownership in our area?

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GIS comprises of

• Data input
• Storage
• Management
• Analysis
• Output

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The benefits of GIS include

• Better information management
• Higher quality analysis
• Ability to carry out what if? scenarios
• Improve project efficiency

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GIS Applications

• Facilities management
• Marketing and retailing
• Environmental
• Transport/vehicle routing
• Health
• Insurance
• and many more . . .