Introduction to the concept of GIS, its components, and its applications in various fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and disaster response.
Overview of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS)
| Component | Purpose | Typical Tools / Formats |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Processing, storage, and display of spatial data | Servers, workstations, GPS receivers, drones, mobile devices |
| Software | Create, edit, query, and visualize GIS data | ArcGIS, QGIS, GRASS, MapInfo, Google Earth Engine |
| Data | The foundation – spatial layers and attribute tables | Raster (satellite imagery, DEMs), Vector (points, lines, polygons), Tabular (CSV, DBF) |
| People | Analysts, cartographers, developers, decision‑makers | Domain experts, GIS technicians, planners |
| Methods/Procedures | Standardized workflows for data acquisition, processing, and analysis | Data cleaning, projection management, spatial statistics, model building |
| Data Type | Geometry | Typical Sources | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vector | Points, lines, polygons | GPS surveys, digitized maps, CAD files | Feature mapping, network analysis, cadastral records |
| Raster | Grid of cells (pixels) | Satellite imagery, aerial photos, LiDAR, DEMs | Land‑cover classification, surface modeling, heat maps |
| Tabular (non‑spatial) | Linked via IDs or coordinates | Census tables, sensor logs | Attribute enrichment, statistical analysis |
Data Capture & Integration
Data Management
Spatial Analysis
Cartography & Visualization
Modeling & Automation