GIS: A Step Above
Urban growth in the suburbs and maintaining what is already built is one problem facing the United States today. One difficulty in regional planning is the visualization of the area in question. Finding the problem areas, addressing all the issues involved, and discovering the best way to implement changes can create challenges for those in charge. A technology that is growing to accommodate the various areas of study which helps address these issues is Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Geographical Information Systems is the prime tool for spatial research.
GIS at work Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used in a wide variety of businesses across the United States. The program can compile
…show more content…
“Over the past five years, Geographic information systems have become powerful graphical database tools, useful to everyone from city planners to departments of transportation, from environmental scientists to cartographers.” (Denes 62)
GIS has been incorporated into creating the infrastructure of cities. For example, managing and operating a water system require detailed records and measurements. As GIS technology improves, it becomes easier and more advantageous for companies to use it to log information and track the running of the system. “Successful use of a GIS requires that basic computer system design procedures be integrated with characteristics unique to GIS applications.” (Kaufman 71) The use of this technology requires accurate, detailed statistics about the physical, economic, and spatial elements of the area of study. The GIS maintenance system used to regulate and map water systems “incorporates field experience, environmental conditions, hydraulic characteristics of the distribution system, and service requirements.” (Kaufman 75) These detailed figures are necessary when using a GIS system, otherwise the program is unable to compile the correct, specific, desired results.
RMS can also include separate databases such as crime reports, arrest reports, persons information, property and evidence information, vehicle information, accident reports, field information, calls for service (e.g. snapshot data), and investigations. The contents of RMSs vary, however their purpose to store crime incidents data and link them with related data, remains unchanging across different software products and police departments. In addition to collecting and storing information, RMS is used to check the quality of data, retrieve incidents, and provide information. A geographic data system creates, maintains, and stores geographic data. Typically, city or county agencies use geographic data systems to create and maintain
GIS or Geographic Information Systems is a software capable of gathering, storing, manipulating and presenting geographic information that its data is identified by its location (Stair & Reynolds, 2012). The company chosen for Rainforest is ESRI; they developed and GIS systems that function as an integral component that fits different type of organizations (ESRI, 2014). The software is designed to gather, analyze and display all types of geographical information. This works by simple five-step (Ask, Acquire, Examine, Analyze and Act) systems that lets any organization apply their GIS software to meet the organization needs that requires a geographic decision. Their GIS location-based analysis and data integration will help our organization supply chain visibility and get a better understanding of production to demand. The best feature of this software is the geographical view of any information management would need from the opening of a new facility to determining how each facility is doing (ESRI,
They use geographic information system (GIS) tools and techniques to evaluate digital imagery and geospatial databases. They also use remote sensing and spatial analysis to perform quality reviews of data and content accuracy. They generate visual aids, edit documents and present reports for publishing. They must understand linguistics, human trends, geography and advanced GIS software programs.
GIS Analyst is a journey- level professional class requiring the application of a body of GIS theory and principles. The GIS Analyst completes standard professional level work assignments or projects. The position’s duties require interacting with multiple internal and/or external units or individuals to meet work requirements and objectives. The incumbent must have sufficient job content knowledge in the functional area to ensure standards are met. (“Unified Port of San Diego,” 2013)
The use of GIS in crime has been around for centuries with Dent (2000) tracing the mapping of crime back to 1829, when Adriano Balbi and André Michel Guerry created choropleth maps showing the relationship between violent and property crimes with education levels. As time went on sociologists from the Chicago School, Shaw and McKay (1931) began to map crimes by their XY coordinates to show the geographic location to understand the importance of the crime location. In the 1980’s the reduction in price of computers meant it became more cost effective for GIS Applications (Longley et al, 2011). With the introduction of the new GIS technologies, the ability to use police records within the GIS applications allowed for crime and intelligence analysis (Radcliff, 2004). These days the advancements in technology and the reductions in cost has resulted in GIS applications moving from the backroom computer analysis tool to be used by almost every discipline, from criminology to healthcare, natural resources to economics. These advancements have not just been in the applications but also in the science behind them. This has allowed for more advanced analysis, which use well known mathematical models within their calculations, such as spatial statistics and the use of the Getis-Ordi
After reading the book, it is interesting to note the need for human’s engagement in the geospatial process. I thought machines are effective in the scientific and mathematical analysis that we do not need human to participate in the analysis process. However, to my surprise, machines alone are not adequate to interpret remote sensing images; human must
While there are a great variety of maps available in the information age, all share a common underlying purpose. The fourth edition of Elements of Cartography concisely defines a map’s objective as “to add to the geological understanding of the viewer; it is a carefully designed instrument for recording, calculating, displaying, analyzing and, in general, understanding the interrelation of things in their spatial relationship” (Robinson et al. 1978). This is a truly holistic definition of a map, addressing not only geographical features but quite literally anything that can be displayed spatially on Earth. An excellent example that fits this definition is the cliché map of Canada distributed to the class. This map would not fit a more archaic definition, like G. R. Crone’s assentation that “the purpose of a map is to graphically express the relations of points and features on the Earth’s surface to each other, determined by distance and direction” (1953). Yet, the clichés do form a map. Indeed, a representation of things in their spatial relationship to add to the geological understanding of the viewer is truly what a map is. These representations are invaluable in a number of different ways. The second edition of Map Use describes seven key roles of a map: to “record and store information, serve as computational aids, serve as mobility aids, summarize complex representations and voluminous data, help us explore data, help us visualize what would be otherwise obscure, and
The use of GIS has become ever more widespread over time and can now be used universally; it is not limited by industry and has software that is available and valuable to all. The system is used by private, public and voluntary sectors for a wide variety of applications.
The main objective of Smart City projects is to provide sustainable infrastructure, smart amenities, faster solutions and better livelihood to the urban citizens. To achieve this, Smart City projects must utilize smart tools. One such inevitable tool is GIS – Geographic Information
The majority of the available information is poorly utilized due to the lack of an integrated framework to manage, manipulate, analyze, and present information, thereby failing to locate the facilities more appropriately in the current practices. CAD-based modeling fails to consider the topographical aspects of a region. Also use of CAD-based systems is somewhat difficult and visualization provided by them is also not easily customizable. Considering the importance of GIS, architects or engineers, create, store, and share information about 3D models of existing facilities along with surrounding topography. Visualization of existing facilities along with surroundings, database management, and geospatial analysis capabilities on a single platform
Metadata contains the data quality information which plays important role in determining the quality of dataset and it is very useful for data producers and consumers. Metadata provides users of spatial data with information about the purpose, quality, actuality and accuracy of spatial datasets and performs the vital functions that make spatial data interoperable, that is, capable of being shared between systems. Metadata enables both professional and non-professional spatial users to find the
The paper written by Basiouka & Potsiou (2012) investigated the actual possibility of using VGI model to create cadastral map. This research was the first practical cadastral mapping process based on voluntary approach. They initiated their research based on this statement: “No one knows the local area better than the residents” (Basiouka & Potsiou, 2012). The aims of this paper were to minimize the times and the costs of cadastral surveys, to eliminate the errors, and finally to unblock the real estate market by involving the volunteered land parcel owners. Basiouka & Potsiou (2012) evaluated the result by comparing the volunteered cadastral map with the accurate, assured and authoritative cadastral map. This study showed that cadastral data were gathered in quick time compared to formal cadastral surveying and also no gross error in positioning was detected. According to the interview with participants, The land parcels owners are willing to voluntarily participate in the cadastral mapping project due to the difficulties they had had by formal cadastral procedure(Basiouka & Potsiou, 2012).
Studies show that in 2020 about $600 billion can saved using efficient routing options with the help of Geographic Information System. Tracking endangered species- Geographic Information Systems information can be used to maintain a database for better animal tracking. detecting extreme events like earthquakes, wildfires, floods, tornados and other naturally occurring disasters can be detected using the built-in sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes available in smart phones.
There are many Web GIS issues that must be resolved in order for its full potential to be maximized. Firstly, the Web GIS environment is dependent on several technological factors. Among these are internet connection and speed (Dragicevic, 2004), traffic intensity, data efficiency, and the capacity of the client and server machines (Kraak, 2004). Internet GIS relies heavily on the extensive use of graphics, and connection speeds over the Internet can make heavy use of graphic intolerably slow for users.
GIS can be used be used in managing outdoor infrastructures, natural resources, and assets like cables and piping system installations and vehicles. In construction planning, GIS can be used by facilities and property managers to prevent costly construction delays by knowing the location of utility lines, where environmental clearances or special permits are required, and other projects being facilitated in such locations. With GIS, maintenance staff and ground keepers can work efficiently with an access to an informed operational picture.