Introduction to GIS

Lesson Objectives

• Understand what a GIS is

• Understand how a GIS functions

• Understand how spatial data is

represented in a GIS

NPS Introduction to GIS: Lecture 1

• Look at some GIS applications
Based on NIMC and Other Sources

Data vs.
Information

• Data, by itself, generally differs from

information.
• Data is of little use unless it is transformed
into information.
INFORMATION SYSTEM
• Information is an answer to a question OVERVIEW
based on raw data.
• We transform data into information
through the use of an Information System.

What is an Information
What is an Information System? System?

Information System

Data Query
Information
Storage

Information systems can be very simple,

such as a telephone directory.

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 Introduction to GIS

What is an Information
System? What is a GIS?
In the digital environment we use software to
create complex information systems. Information System
A means of storing,
retrieving, sorting,
and comparing
+
spatial data
Geographic Position
to support some
analytic process.

What is a GIS? GIS Definition

GEOGRAPHIC Information System • A GIS is a system (hardware + database
engine) that is designed to efficiently,
assemble, store, update, analyze, manipulate,
and display geographically referenced
information (data identified by their
locations).

• A GIS also includes the people

operating the system and the data
that go into the system.
GIS links graphical features (entities) to tabular data
(attributes)

Key Functions of a GIS Geographic Information

Systems
Data can be: Define
Decision
1. Positioned by its known spatial problem
coordinates.
2. Input and organized (generally in GIS
layers). Define GIS
3. Stored and retrieved.
Output
Process criteria

4. Analyzed (usually via a Relational

DBMS). GIS Import or
analysis build datasets
5. Modified and displayed

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 Introduction to GIS

Representing Spatial
Elements

• RASTER
MODELLING AND
STRUCTURING DATA
• VECTOR
(How we represent features or spatial
elements)
• Real World

Representing Spatial Representing Spatial

Elements Elements
Raster Vector
Stores images as rows and columns of numbers with a Allows user to specify specific spatial locations and
Digital Value/Number (DN) for each cell.
assumes that geographic space is continuous, not
Units are usually represented as square grid cells that are
broken up into discrete grid squares
uniform in size.
We store features as sets of X,Y coordinate pairs.
Data is classified as
“continuous” (such as in an
image), or “thematic”
(where each cell denotes a
feature type.
Numerous data formats
(TIFF, GIF, ERDAS.img etc)

Entity Representations Attributes

We typically represent objects in space as three
distinct spatial elements:
• In the raster data model, the cell
Points - simplest value (Digital Number) is the
element attribute. Examples: brightness,
landcover code, SST, etc.
Lines (arcs) - set of
connected points • For vector data, attribute records are
linked to point, line & polygon
Polygons - set of features. Can store multiple
connected lines attributes per feature. Vector
features are linked to attributes by a
We use these three spatial elements to represent real world features and unique feature number.
attach locational information to them.

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 Introduction to GIS

Raster vs. Vector

Raster Advantages
The most common data format

Easy to perform mathematical and overlay operations

Satellite information is easily incorporated GIS FUNCTIONALITY

Better represents “continuous”- type data

Vector Advantages (What do they do?)

Accurate positional information that is best for storing discrete
thematic features (e.g., roads, shorelines, sea-bed features.

Compact data storage requirements

Can associate unlimited numbers of attributes with specific features

GIS Functions GIS Functions

Data Assembly
• Data Assembly

• Data Storage Maps RSI

• Spatial Data Analysis and

Manipulation

• Spatial Data Output

Intel Database Direct Entry GPS

Keyboard

Data Input/Creation GIS Functions

GIS Storage
1 (Universe polygon)

2 3 Spatial data
(ARC functions)

4 5
COV# ZONE ZIP
1 0
2 C-19 22060
Attribute data 3
4
A-4
C-22
22061
22060
(INFO or TABLES functions) 5 A-5 22057

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 Introduction to GIS

GIS Functions Spatial Analysis

Spatial Data Manipulation and Analysis • Overlay function creates new

“layers” to solve spatial problems
• Common Manipulation
– Reclassification
– Map Projection changes
• Common Analysis
– Buffering
– Overlay
– Network

GIS Functions
Spatial Data Output
• Tables

• Maps SOME EXAMPLES

• Interactive Displays AND APPLICATIONS

• 3-D Perspective View

GIS Applications Helicopter Landing Zones

• Site selection
– Helicopter Landing Zones
– Amphibious Assault (Water Depth)
– Buffer Zones
HLZ sites

– Flight Planning
– Battlefield Visualisation

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 Introduction to GIS

Amphibious Assault Planning Spatial Analysis

Proximity Analysis (Buffers)
1000 Meter Buffer of Railroads

Flight Planning Flight Planning/Flythroughs

Battlefield Visualization
and/or Situation Awareness
Other GIS Applications

• Cross country movement

– Route planning
– Intervisibility study
• Facilities management
• Airfield assessment
• Road network analysis (convoys)
• Propagation coverages
• Observation post siting analysis
• Perspective views

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 Introduction to GIS

CCM Analysis CCM & Viewshed

Facilities Management Airfields

Network Analysis Antenna Propagation Coverages

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 Introduction to GIS

Observation Post Siting Analysis Perspective Views

SUMMARY

 Key Concepts

 Data representation

 Applications