Module 1_Introduction to GIS and RS
Module 1_Introduction to GIS and RS
www.tamu.edu
GIS Components
DeLuca, 2012
Hardware
• Data collection devices
▪ GPS receivers, cameras, etc.
• Open Source
• QGIS
• ILWIS
• SAGA GIS
• GRASS GIS
QGIS: A Free and Open Source GIS
• One of the open-source GIS software package
• Longitudinal Studies
• Multiple time points analysis
• Example: Correlation between people's exercise habits and seasonal
patterns
Data Acquisition
• Spatial Data Requirement: Data must link to real-world or hypothetical
locations
• Types of Data:
⚬ Primary Data: Collected firsthand for specific research needs
⚬ Secondary Data: Sourced from existing datasets
Evaluating Data Quality and Suitability
• Data relevance and accuracy
• Metadata quality (documentation)
• Geographic linkage (coordinate system compatibility)
Data Collection
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
• Captures spatial coordinates in the field
• Allows linking of field data to GIS maps
• KoBoToolbox
• Developed by Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
• Free Sign-up
Forms-based Field Collection
Survey Proper
Sample Unit Boundaries - Specifies area units within the study area
(e.g., parcels, streets)
Study Area and Sample Unit Boundaries
• Edge Effect - Boundary placement impacts data near edges can
skew analysis if relevant features are beyond the boundary.
• Essential Parts
➢ Title
➢ Meridian Arrow
➢ Legend
➢ Scale
➢ Legend
➢ Survey Party & Cartographer
➢ Important Dates
Comprehensive Land Use Plan Map Format
Water
Resource
Mapping
Bamboo
Mapping
Sieve Mapping
• Identification of land
demand and supply
• Identification of growth
areas
• Determination of suitable
land use zones
Ecosystem Services Quantification
Practical Guidelines
• Match measurement levels to your research questions
• Consider sampling implications for spatial data
• Protect privacy through appropriate data aggregation
• Always document your methodological decisions
Thank you!