GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)

INTRODUCTION
A Geographic Information System (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for
capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced
information. GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in
many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports,
and charts. A GIS helps you answer questions and solve problems by looking at your data in
a way that is quickly understood and easily shared. GIS technology can be integrated into any
enterprise information system framework.
Geographical Information System

Decision Makers

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based system for the storage, retrieval,
manipulation, analysis, and display of geographic / Spatial data.
Computer-based system refers to the hardware, software, and procedures necessary to
operate the GIS
Geographic data are data which vary over geographic space
Storage, retrieval, manipulation, analysis, and display are the tools provided by GIS
software for processing geographic data
Although the two terms, data and information, are often used indiscriminately, they both have
a specific meaning. Data can be described as different observations, which are collected and
stored. Information is that data, which is useful in answering queries or solving a problem.
There are two basic geographic data types: Non-Spatial (Attribute) and Spatial (geometric).
Geographic data are organized in a geographic database. This database can be considered as a
collection of spatially referenced data that acts as a model of reality.

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)

There are two important components of this geographic database: its geographic position and
its attribute or properties. In other words, spatial data (Where is it?) and attribute data (What
is it?) are the components. GIS is very effective tool in spatial and non-spatial database
management. It has strong potential to play a vital role in decision making in every field of
life. It is a powerful set of tools for storing and retrieving at will, transforming and displaying
spatial data from the real world for a particular set of purposes.

Overview of Arc GIS Software - Software collective referred to as

Arc GIS Desktop
a. Software Modules:
i. Arc Map software used to display, analyze, and create GIS data
1.

Arc View level install basic level application

2.

Arc Editor 1 step up, includes data editing capabilities

3.

Arc Info highest level install, with advanced editing and analysis

features
ii. Arc Catalog- tool for viewing and managing spatial data files (analogous to
Windows Explorer)
iii. Arc Toolbox set of tools and functions used to convert data formats, manage
map projections, perform analysis, modify data

b. Extensions:
i. The Extensions dialog allows you to load and unload software capabilities, allowing
you to enhance your working environment with additional objects, scripts and
customization.
ii. You can use extensions provided by ESRI and you can also create your own.

c. Data Files in ArcGIS:

i. Shape files developed for Arc View
ii. Cover ages vector data developed for Arc/Info, using a topological model.
iii. Geo databases
iv. Introduction to Metadata

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)

Installation
of ArcGIS

Georeferencing

Practice &
Query

Layout Cartographic Practice &

Query
Tools &
elements

09:00 - 10:00

Geodatabases
and its types

Practice &
Query

Contour,
DEM,

TIN,
Calculate
Slope,
aspect /
Direction
Analysis

11:15 - 12:00

12:00 - 13:30

14:00 - 15:30

Practice &
Query
Arc-Catalog,
Layers &
Shape files

Raster &
Vector Data
Digitization
(Point &
Line)

Download
Images

Export Map
(JPG, PDF,
WMF)

Google earth
& GIS

Analysis
(Clip,
Intersect,
Erase)

(Symmetrical
Difference,
Buffer,
Overlay )

Add Survey
Points

Classification
of Images

Digitization
(Polygon)
Lunch & Prayer break
13:30 - 14:00

10:00 11:00
Arcmap and
interface

Day

Tea break 11:00 - 11:15

Training Schedule & Contents of Arc GIS Course

Practice &
Query
Calculate
Area,
Calculate
Length,
Merge,
Union, Snap
Select by
Attribute &
Location

Note: This is a general framework. It will be tailored according to audience,

duration and organizational objectives.