ANALOG TO DIGITAL DATA
CONVERSION
Analog to digital data conversion in Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) is a crucial process that involves transforming
analog data, such as paper maps, aerial photographs, and other
non-digital formats, into digital formats that can be used and
analyzed within GIS software. Here are the key steps
involved:
1. Data Collection
2. Scanning:
3. Georeferencing:
4. Digitizing:
5. Attribute Data Entry:
6. Quality Control:
7. Data Integration:
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
SOFTWARES
Geographic Information System (GIS) software is essential
for capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data.
GIS software can be broadly categorized into two types:
licensed (proprietary) and open-source.
Licensed (Proprietary) GIS Software
Licensed GIS software requires users to purchase a license to
use the software. These tools often come with extensive
support, regular updates, and advanced features. Examples of
licensed GIS software include:
1. ArcGIS: Developed by Esri, ArcGIS is one of the most
widely used GIS software globally. It offers a
comprehensive suite of tools for spatial analysis, data
management, and cartography.
2. TNT-MIBPS: A specialized GIS software used for
managing and analyzing spatial data in various
industries.
3. MapInfo: MapInfo Pro is a powerful GIS software for
visualizing, analyzing, and editing spatial data.
4. Geometica: A GIS software known for its advanced
spatial analysis and data visualization capabilities.
5. 21st Century GIS: This software provides tools for
urban planning, environmental management, and
transportation planning.
Open-Source GIS Software
Open-source GIS software is freely available for anyone to
use, modify, and distribute. These tools are often developed
and maintained by a community of volunteers. Examples of
open-source GIS software include:
1. QGIS: QGIS (Quantum GIS) is a user-friendly, open-
source GIS software that offers a wide range of tools for
spatial analysis, data visualization, and cartography.
2. SAGA GIS: The System for Automated Geoscientific
Analysis (SAGA) is a modular software for geoscientific
analysis and visualization.
3. GRASS GIS: The Geographic Resources Analysis
Support System (GRASS) is a powerful open-source GIS
software used for data management, spatial modeling,
and visualization.
INTRODUCTION TO INTERFACE OF
SOFTWARES USED IN GIS
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools
used to gather, manage, analyze, and visualize spatial and
geographic data.
TABLE OF
CONTENT MENU BAR TOOLBAR
DATA VIEW
The interface of GIS software typically includes several key
components:
1. Map View/Data View: This is the main area where you
interact with your spatial data. You can visualize maps,
perform analysis, and edit data.
2. Toolbars: These provide quick access to various tools
and functions, such as drawing, editing, and analysis
tools.
3. Menu Bar: This contains dropdown menus that offer a
wide range of commands and options for working with
your data
4. Table of content: organizes and displays the layers in
your map, showing their order, visibility, and
symbology.
GIS DATA MODEL
GIS Data Models are primarily divided into two types:
Raster Data Model and Vector Data Model.
Raster Data Model
Structure: Represents spatial data as a grid of cells or
pixels.
Data Type: Suitable for continuous data such as
elevation, temperature, or satellite imagery.
Resolution: The quality of the data depends on the size
of the cells; smaller cells (also referred to as pixels)
provide higher resolution.
Use Cases: Ideal for analyzing phenomena that change
continuously over space, such as climate patterns,
vegetation, and terrain.
Vector Data Model
Structure: Represents geographic features as points,
lines, and polygons.
Data Type: Suitable for discrete data such as roads,
buildings, and administrative boundaries.
Use Cases: Ideal for mapping features with distinct
boundaries, such as property lines, infrastructure, and
land parcels.
Further GIS data is divided into two categories: spatial data
and non-spatial data.
Spatial Data
Definition: Spatial data, also known as geospatial data,
refers to information about the location(using
latitudes,longitudes and altitude) and shape of physical
features on the Earth's surface.
Non-Spatial Data
Definition: Non-spatial data (attribute data) refers to
information that describes the characteristics or attributes of
spatial feature.They have no geographical value.
