FINAL PRACTICES
FINAL PRACTICES
Introduction
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing are powerful tools for collecting,
analyzing, and visualizing spatial data. GIS involves using software to map and analyze data
related to positions on the Earth's s. In contrast, Remote Sensing involves acquiring information
about the Earth's surface without direct contact, typically through satellite or aerial imagery.
These technologies are widely used in various fields such as agriculture, urban planning,
environmental monitoring, and disaster management
Once data is obtained through the science of remote sensing, it needs to be processed and
analyzed using specialized software. One widely used application for processing and analyzing
geospatial data is ArcGIS. Developed by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI),
this desktop software is designed to analyze land and related information, facilitating evidence-
based decision-making.
To effectively explore the course on GIS and remote sensing, it is essential to use software called
ArcGIS, specifically ArcCatalog and ArcMap. These tools are helpful for accessing, managing,
and organizing data acquired from various sources, as well as for analyzing this data to generate
valuable information for decision-making.
2. Objective
2.1.General Objective
The primary objective of this practical report is to summarize our experiences from the practical
sessions of the course on GIS and Remote Sensing.
2.2.Specific Objectives
Primary and secondary data sources were employed in this report. Primary data, such as Sentinel
satellite imagery, was downloaded and used to analyze the land use and land cover of Injibara
Town.
Additionally, secondary data, including shapefiles of the case study area and the kebele
administrative shapefiles of the Awi Zone, were provided by the GIS and Remote Sensing
instructor for feature labeling and symbolization. Furthermore, a scanned map of Bahir Dar City,
Ethiopia, was also provided by the instructor for reference purposes.
Moreover, journal articles, reviewed papers, and GIS and Remote Sensing practical manuals
were utilized as references.
In the practical session of the GIS and Remote Sensing course, we used various tools and
software to access, manage, and organize data related to the case study area of Injibara
Town. The tools we employed included:
Connecting to folders
Adding data from the Standard Toolbar
Using the Extract by Mask tool from the Spatial Analysis Toolset
Utilizing the Georeferencing Toolbar
Implementing image classification tools in ArcGIS software, specifically in the
ArcMap and ArcCatalog windows
These tools allowed us to add data, label features, symbolize information, rectify images, and
classify images into different land use and land cover classes.
4. Analysis
4.1.Accessing, Managing, and organizing Geospatial data
Figure 1 illustrates that the exercise data which is stored within the GIS& RS lab data folder
located on the desktop is accessible and can be effectively managed. This accessibility enables us
to thoroughly evaluate whether the data aligns with our specific GIS analysis requirements and
objectives. Furthermore, we have the ability to create various organizational structures such as
folders, geodatabases, feature datasets, and feature classes, which facilitate better data
management and enhance our workflow within the GIS environment. By utilizing these tools and
structures, we can optimize our analysis and ensure that our data handling is both efficient and
tailored to our needs.
Symbolization and labeling of feature representations are crucial spatial data activities that help
identify distinct features. These processes can be performed using ArcGIS software, specifically
within ArcMap, which serves as the platform for map-based operations. In this module, the
kebele administrative shapefile of the Awi zone was utilized and subsequently labeled and
symbolized to improve visualization. This approach allows for the differentiation of one kebele
from another using unique colors and labeling that includes the kebele name (RK name), as
illustrated in the figure below.
A crucial task is selecting and extracting features from input data using Arc Map. For example,
we may need to extract Injibara Town from the Awi Zone kebele administrative shapefile. To do
this, we first select the area of interest using either a simple query or an advanced query. Then,
we apply the "clip" tool or export the selected area as a shapefile from the table of contents. The
result is illustrated in the figure below.
Georeferencing
In the realm of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the ability to correlate image coordinates
with real ground coordinates is paramount, particularly when images lack inherent location
information. Accurately georeferencing such images facilitates their use in spatial analysis,
enabling more informed decision-making across various fields, including urban planning,
environmental monitoring, and resource management. This essay outlines a systematic approach
to create geometric relationships through a series of structured procedures. The initial step in this
process involves loading the image into GIS software, such as QGIS or ArcGIS. By importing
the image, users can prepare for subsequent analysis and georeferencing tasks. This foundational
action sets the stage for integrating the imagery with spatial data.
Following the image importation, it is essential to access the georeferencing tool available in
most GIS applications. This built-in feature is critical as it allows users to align the imported
image with real-world geographic coordinates accurately. Utilizing this tool is instrumental in
rectifying any distortions and ensuring that the image accurately reflects its spatial context. The
next crucial step entails the addition of Ground Control Points (GCPs). To achieve this, users
should select identifiable points on the image that have corresponding known coordinates from
reference data. These reference points act as anchors, providing a reliable basis for alignment.
Once selected, the real-world coordinates for each of these points must be inputted into the
software. This process not only establishes a direct relationship between the image and the real-
world coordinates but also enhances the precision of the resulting geometric transformation.
The collection and establishment of Ground Control Points (GCPs) play a crucial role in
enhancing the accuracy and reliability of spatial data in various mapping and geospatial
applications. In the present analysis, four necessary GCPs were meticulously collected from a
scanned map. This process was executed through a systematic approach using the tool known as
"Add GCP," as illustrated in Figure 4. The selection of appropriate GCPs is integral to ensuring
that the spatial reference system is accurately aligned with the physical features represented in
the map.
The achieved Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of approximately 0.00019 confirms the
effectiveness of the GCPs employed in this study. An RMSE value of this magnitude is deemed
acceptable within the context of geospatial analysis, indicating a high degree of precision in the
data alignment process. Such low error margins affirm the reliability of the mapping outcome,
thereby facilitating improved decision-making processes in applications that rely on accurate
geospatial information.
Figure 4: RMSE result of the Georeferenced data
4 .Classifying an image into different land use categories using either supervised or
unsupervised classification algorithms is a common task in GIS and remote sensing,
particularly for analyzing spatial patterns of land use. Here’s a detailed guide on how to
approach this analysis for Injibara Town:
Radiometric Correction: Correct the image for sensor errors and atmospheric
effects to enhance image quality.
Geometric Correction: Ensure that the imagery is accurately georeferenced to align
with real-world coordinates.
Image Enhancement: Apply techniques like histogram equalization or contrast
stretching to improve visual interpretation.
Supervised Classification
Unsupervised Classification
5.To analyze the specific objective of downloading satellite images and analyzing the land
use and land cover (LULC) of Injibara Town, you can follow a structured approach that
encompasses data acquisition, preprocessing, analysis, and interpretation. Here’s a step-by-
step guide:
Use platforms like USGS Earth Explorer for Landsat or Copernicus Open Access Hub
for Sentinel-2 to download the images.
Ensure you select images that are cloud-free and cover the area of interest.
SATTELITE IMAGE
MAP STUDING
5.Finding
The findings will be based on the practical sessions involving data analysis. Through these
sessions, we understand how GIS and RS provide valuable insights for real-world applications.
For instance, working with ArcMap allows us to manipulate geospatial data and visually
represent complex relationships between different geographic features. Georeferencing is crucial
in aligning data accurately, ensuring that spatial relationships are correctly interpreted. We also
understand how different types of analysis can reveal spatial patterns, risks, and opportunities,
aiding in better decision-making processes for planners and policymakers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study of GIS and Remote Sensing reveals the immense potential these
technologies have for solving practical problems across various sectors. From environmental
management to urban planning and disaster risk management, these tools are indispensable in
modern decision-making processes. By achieving the specific objectives of this report, we
deepen our understanding of how these technologies work, their real-world applications, and the
valuable insights they provide.
Recommendations
Future research should explore the integration of emerging technologies such as
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with GIS and Remote
Sensing. These technologies have the potential to improve the efficiency of geospatial
data analysis and automate tasks like feature recognition from satellite imagery.
Additionally, further exploration of cloud-based GIS and real-time remote sensing
data could enhance the speed and accessibility of geospatial data for decision-makers. It
is also important to continue developing more comprehensive and user-friendly
platforms that allow for greater collaboration among GIS professionals, environmental
managers, and policymakers.
References
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2. NASA Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). "Earth Science
Data and Tools." NASA EOSDIS.
3. USGS (2024). "Land Remote Sensing." USGS Remote Sensing.
4. Geospatial World (2024). "GIS & Remote Sensing Applications." Geospatial World.
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monitoring: Case studies from urban and natural environments." Journal of Environmental
Management, 245, 334-350.
6. Jensen, J. R. (2007). "Introductory Digital Image Processing: A Remote Sensing Perspective."
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7. Ting, K. P., & Kang, J. (2018). "The role of GIS and remote sensing in land-use planning for
sustainable development." Sustainable Cities and Society, 39, 65-73.
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