Introduction to Geospatial Technology GST 101 Introduction to Geospatial Technology Created at: wordle.net

What is “GIS”?

What is GIS? A GIS is a computer-based system to aid in the collection, maintenance, storage, analysis, output, and distribution of spatial and non-spatial data and information.

GISs are simultaneously the telescope, the microscope, the computer, and the Xerox machine of regional analysis and synthesis of spatial data. (Ron Abler, 1988)

GIS as an Umbrella Hardware Methods Software Data Network People

What Falls Under the GIS Umbrella? Spatial Data Services Spatial Data Analysis Map Making Data Collection Programming …and much, much more

The Six Parts of a GIS

Six Parts of a GIS Hardware Software Data Methods People Network

Hardware Powerful computers Printing/Plotting and other visualization capabilities Input devices Large amounts of disk space

Software Spatial Information Provides tools to: Manipulate Store Query Analyze There are many free and commercial software packages. Spatial Information

Data A GIS can ingest any type of data Both spatial and non-spatial We are currently in “Data Overload” Visualizing data helps humans weed through it all Half of all time spent on a GIS projects will simply be working with data

Methods Formulas Statistics Analysis Algorithms

? People Skilled GIS Professionals Skilled GIS Users Novice GIS Users . Public Users ?

Network Dissemination of data Display of information Transfer datasets Collaboration Display of information Web maps Web Applications

How can GIS be used?

Select Examples of GIS in Use Cadastral Information 3D Analysis Deliveries Mapping Military Redistricting Farming Health Wildlife Mapping Data Mining Disaster Management Natural Resources Infrastructure Decision Support

Thinking about Space

Fundamental Concepts of Spatial Analysis Space Location Distance

Space can be measured in absolute, relative, and cognitive terms.

Absolute space Can be thought of as mathematical space It involves the precise measurement of location (x,y,z)

Topological space Can be thought of as relative space Such as the connectivity between locations

Reflects people’s beliefs Cognitive space Reflects people’s beliefs experiences perceptions about places

Fundamental Concepts of Spatial Analysis Space Location Distance

Location Absolute - Latitude/longitude Relative – Site and situation Cognitive - Place name Nominal - “Where were you when…?”

Absolute Location Latitude/longitude

Location Absolute - Latitude/longitude Relative – Site and situation Cognitive - Place name Nominal - “Where were you when…?”

Relative location can be measured using site and situation.

Site and Situation Physical attributes of a place (location) E.g., terrain, soil, vegetation, water sources, built environment, etc. Location of a place relative to other places and human activities E.g., 80 miles from Atlanta, near raw materials, far from job opportunities, etc. Relative location can seem like a big can of worms – but to narrow it down to something manageable, Remember that situation as relative location tends to refer to factors that affect the quality of life, opportunities, limitations, etc. at a given site

Location Absolute - Latitude/longitude Relative – United States Public Land Survey Metes and Bounds Cognitive - Place name Nominal - “Where were you when…?”

Cognitive Location Cognitive location refers to the personal cognitive images of places and regions compiled from personal knowledge, experiences, and impressions

Location Absolute - Latitude/longitude Relative – United States Public Land Survey Metes and Bounds Cognitive - Place name Nominal - “Where were you when…?”

Systems of measuring and representing location (absolute, relative, nominal) are CULTURAL SYSTEMS which are embedded in different cultures and worldviews and can become inscribed in landscapes

Fundamental Concepts of Spatial Analysis Space Location Distance

Distance Absolute - physical units of measure Relative - time, effort or cost Cognitive - perceived

Waldo Tobler (Professor Emeritus, UCSB, Dept. of Geography) “Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related to each other” Waldo Tobler (Professor Emeritus, UCSB, Dept. of Geography)