maps + information = gis a gis is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data...

Maps + Information = GIS

A GIS is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for digitally capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.

Geographic Information Geographic Information SystemSystem

GIS Defined

GIS Components

GIS ComponentsGIS Components

A GIS is a comprised of five components: people, hardware, software, data, and methods.

People are required to collect data and use methods, hardware, and software to manipulate data.

Feature, Layer, Spatial Data Defined

GIS LayerGIS LayerGIS integrates all the layers…to create digital reality.

Buildings

School Districts

Streets

Zip Codes

Cities

Counties

A geographic feature is any real-world object on a map, such as a single building. A layer is the visual representation of a set of geographic features. Layers must contain spatial data. Spatial data indicates the geographic location and shape of the feature.

In the example, buildings, school districts, streets, zip codes, cities, and counties are layers that are combined, or “layered,” using GIS to create reality.

Attribute Defined

GIS AttributeGIS Attribute

Attributes are additional information about the features. Attribute data is stored in a database, such as Excel or Access, and is associated to a layer in the GIS. Each feature making up the layer is associated with at least one attribute in the database. The attributes included for each layer are at the discretion of the individual creating the GIS. The GIS user may edit the attribute data as changes are necessary. GIS allows attributes to be linked to geographic location. With GIS you link people to address, buildings to parcels of land, and so forth.

The examples illustrate some common attribute data for buildings and schools layers. For buildings, the address is important. For schools, the principal’s name and school contact information are important.

GIS is a Smart Map

GIS is a Smart MapGIS is a Smart Map

GIS uses tools like computers and software to enhance the fundamental tenant of geography: Location is important in people’s lives.GIS helps locate new businesses and track environmental degradation. It helps route garbage trucks and manage road paving. GIS helps marketers find new prospects and it helps farmers grow healthier, larger crops. GIS can be used in ANY field of study.

In fact, GIS has an effect upon everyone’s life, yet most people do not realize it.

Location is Important

Weather

MeteorologistsMeteorologists

Meteorologists use GIS to forecast the weather. The GIS consists of weather models and satellite data to forecast the weather and predict weather system patterns. In the event of a weather related emergency, GIS is used to determine who should be evacuated.

Locally, the WCYB Pinpoint Weather website hosts a weather GIS. Individuals may view real time weather statistics for specific areas by selecting an area on the map.

http://www.wcyb.tv/weather.asp

If you watch the weather, GIS affects you.



http://www.nsf.gov/home/news.html


Navigation and GPS

NavigationNavigation

Road atlases are becoming a thing of the past due to the popularity and affordability of navigation systems. Navigation systems derive directions by acquiring geographic (longitude and latitude) coordinates from satellites. Travelers, airline pilots, the military, and the general public enjoy the benefits of navigation systems. Handheld navigation systems are often used by hunters and fishermen to pinpoint locations they tend to revisit while helping them find their way through the forest.

If you use GPS, GIS affects you.

Environmental Concerns

Who Uses GIS?Who Uses GIS?If you like to live in a healthy environment, GIS affects you.

GIS is used to monitor various environmental concerns across the world. Coastal subsidence, deforestation, and pollution are a few environmental concerns that may be addressed using GIS.

The example uses GIS to monitor U.S. air quality. Areas identified as unhealthy are more easily depicted on a map than in stacks of reports.

Developers

DevelopersDevelopers

GIS is useful in determining the placement of roads, stop lights, businesses, parks, schools, and any feature.

Since GIS provides a digital version of reality, developers may use GIS to select the prime location for a new structure. GIS allows developers to input specific criteria for a location, then the GIS pinpoints all the locations within the study area that meet all the criteria.

For example, a park is best located near residential areas while a gas station should be located along a busy roadway but not in a location where multiple gas stations are already located.

If new development occurs in your community, GIS affects you.

Law Enforcement

Law EnforcementLaw Enforcement

GIS is used by law enforcement officers to pinpoint the location of criminal incidents. In Wise County, each police department is equipped with GPS units which are used to gather the location information of each crime within the county. The GPS location information is input into GIS and used by law enforcement to detect criminal patterns.

GIS Software

GIS SoftwareGIS Software

The Environmental Systems Research Institute, ESRI, is largest provider of GIS software today.ArcGIS 9.2 is the latest mapping software available from ESRI. ArcGIS allows a user to create GIS data, import existing GIS data, manipulate and edit data, and analyze data Specifically, ArcGIS 9.2 also allows a user to author data, maps, globes, and models on a personal computer and then serve the data to a widely used GIS server and use the products on the web, personal computer, and mobile computer.

ArcGIS is made up of a set of tools which includes the following three products: ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox.

ArcMap


ArcMap is the software used to view, edit, and analyze GIS data.

The geographic data view allows a user to symbolize, analyze, and compile GIS data. The table of contents is used to organize the GIS data.

The page layout view resembles the geographic data view, but also allows a user to add common map elements such as titles, scale bars, legends, and north arrows to the map. The page layout view is used to create print or publish quality maps.

ArcCatalog


ArcCatalog organizes and manages all GIS information such as maps, globes, datasets, models, metadata, and services.

ArcCatalog is very similar to the Windows Explorer application. ArcCatalog allows the user to search and browse for, and manage geographic data.

ArcCatalog is also used when creating a new geographic dataset.

ArcToolbox


ArcToolbox includes an assortment of tools necessary for analyzing, converting, and managing GIS data.

GIS is often used as an analysis tool. ArcToolbox contains a set of preformatted analysis tools to enable a user for pinpoint locations fitting into specific criteria.

For example, a user may use the analysis tools to “find buildings within Big Stone Gap, Virginia that are within 1 mile of Mountain Empire Community College.” The GIS user inputs a simple mathematical query into the analysis tools and the results will automatically appear in ArcMap.

Common Tools

Common ToolsCommon Tools

A GIS is created, maintained, and viewed in a user friendly environment. The ArcGIS software and most online geographic information systems use the same set of common tools which allows individuals easy use of the system even if they have never used GIS before.

GIS allows a user to zoom, pan, identify features, search for specific features, create queries, and measure distances.

The examples used to illustrate the common GIS tools are provided through the Wise County WebGIS at

http://arcims2.webgis.net/wise/default.asp.

Zoom to Full Extent

Zoom to Full ExtentZoom to Full Extent

Zoom to Full Extent: Returns the map to the original extent.

Zoom In

Zoom InZoom In

Zoom In: Allows the user to use the computer mouse to click a specific area on the map document and automatically zoom into that area.

Zoom Out

Zoom OutZoom Out

Zoom Out: Allows the user to zoom out in order to view a larger portion of the map.

Pan

Common ToolsCommon Tools

Pan: Allows the user to use the computer mouse to slide the map in any direction in order to view another portion of the map.

Identify

IdentifyIdentify

Identify: Allows the user to obtain attribute information about a map feature.

Search

SearchSearch

Search: Allows the user to search for specific features or attributes. This feature may be preformatted to meet common search needs.

Query

QueryQuery

Query: A query is a mathematical expression used to find locations that fall into a set of criteria.

Measure

MeasureMeasure

Measure: Allows the user to measure distances on the map.

GIS Education at MECC

GIS EducationGIS Education

MECC offers an online GIS Career Studies Certificate Program.

The MECC online system, blackboard, and the ESRI virtual campus are used to administer the GIS courses necessary for the completion of the GIS Career Studies Certificate Program.

4 core GIS fundamentals courses 16

1 GIS specialty course 4

Presentation Software 3

Speech 3

Required Credit Hours 26

GIS Career Studies Certificate

GISCertified

GIS EducationGIS EducationGIS

Certificate Requirements

GIS Core Courses

GIS 200 – Geographical Information Systems I

Provides hand on introduction to a dynamic desktop GIS. Introduces the components of a desktop GIS and their functionality. Emphasizes manipulation of data for the purpose of analysis, presentation,

and decision making.

GIS 201 – Geographical Information Systems II

Provides a continuation of GIS 200, with emphasis on advanced topics in problem solving, decision making, modeling, programming, and data management. Covers map projections and data formats,

and methods for solving the problems they create.

GIS 205 – GIS 3 Dimensional Analysis

Introduces GIS 3D concepts and practices with a concentration on displaying, creating and analyzing spatial GIS data using 3D. Covers 3D shapefiles, 3D data formats such as TINs, DEMs, and grids,

and controlling the perspective and scale of 3D data through rotating, panning, and zooming.

GIS 210 – Understanding Geographic Data

Provides the student an introduction to geographic data and the principles behind their construction. Introduces the concepts for measuring location and characteristics of entities in the real world.

Exposes the student to the limitation and common characteristics of geographic data.

GIS Core CoursesGIS Core Courses

GIS Specialty Courses

GIS 215 – Software Platforms & Applications

Assists users with the transition to newer GIS software platforms and application. Covers concepts and terminology needed to become proficient in the latest GIS software.

GIS 220- Intro to Regional & Urban Planning

Provides overview of how GIS is used in urban and regional planning. Emphasis will be on the use of GIS software to address real world social, economic, and environmental planning problems.

GIS 225 – GIS Applications for Tax Assessors

Introduces the use of GIS in the local government tax assessment process. Includes creating spatial queries, map production, statistical reports, and more. Also, employs technical skills in major topic

areas including special regulations, ratio studies, comparable sales, and parcel data development and maintenance.

GIS 295 – Solving Disaster Management Using GIS

Introduces how GIS technology can apply to many activities related to the improvement, response, and recovery phases of emergency management. Illustrates the difference between emergency

management and risk management.

GIS Specialty CoursesGIS Specialty Courses

If you would like additional information regarding GIS and its uses, please visit the ESRI website at http://www.gis.com, or contact Melanie Salyer at [email protected].

For additional information regarding the MECC GIS Career Studies Certificate Program, please contact Susan Kennedy at [email protected].

ConclusionConclusionConclusion

Test your general knowledge of GIS by completing the following GIS assessment.

Tutorial Assessment 1

Tutorial AssessmentTutorial Assessment

A GIS is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for digitally capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.

True or False?



People are a necessary component of GIS.

True or False?



The pan tool allows the user to use the computer mouse to slide the map in any direction in order to view another portion of the map.

True or False?


Tutorial AssessmentTutorial AssessmentTrue or False?

A geographic layer is a single real-world object on a map.

A geographic FEATURE is a single real-world object on a map.


Tutorial AssessmentTutorial AssessmentTrue or False?

An attribute is additional information about a feature.



GIS attribute data is stored in paper format and maintained by the GIS manager.

GIS attribute data is stored in a database, such as Excel or Access.

True or False?



ArcToolbox allows the user to create a print quality map including titles, scale bars, and north arrows.

ArcMap allows the user to create a print quality map including titles, scale bars, and north arrows.

True or False?



ArcCatalog is similar to the Windows Explorer application.

True or False?



A GIS is created, used, and maintained in a user-friendly environment.

True or False?



Location is important in everyday life. Therefore, GIS is a tool that may be used in any career and by anyone on a day to day basis.

True or False?

maps + information = gis a gis is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data...

Documents

gis layer gis

weather gis

gis user

smart map gis

geographic data

satellite data

common attribute data

spatial data definedfeature