GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS PRESENTATION 1 to Natural History Division, Institute of Jamaica By Suzanne Davis & Alfreco Johnson Natural History Division, Institute of Jamaica January 2003

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) GIS:- a computer-based tool used and managed by people to efficiently capture, store, integrate, analyze and display spatial (geographically referenced) data & associated attribute data. Key components: Hardware (computer) Software (storage, editing, analysis and display programmes) * Data (spatial and descriptive or attribute) People (applicators of tool to problems) Procedures (based on plans/protocols/models unique to each organization)

GIS Characteristics A powerful mapping system that links locations to attribute data so you can: Present different types of information (ecological, social, educational, etc.) as maps Analyze locations and associated data/information Easily and efficiently update of spatial information (maps) Integrate maps with information from a variety of sources

Why Use GIS? Offers advanced data management capabilities for handling complex or various datasets linked to locations Allows improved research and planning activities by integrating data and information from different sources to produce a ‘wholistic’ picture. Facilitates colourful media presentations for easier interpretation of technical data & information by technical (e.g. scientists) and non-technical personnel (e.g. managers, policy-makers)

Spatial Data SPATIAL DATA:- a precise geographic location a distance or length referenced by geographic coordinates or an area that has measured boundaries referenced by geographic coordinates. Examples: maps & charts, surveyor records, building plans and satellite images points lines polygons

Benefits of Spatial Data Databases for taxonomic collections & field data have added value if the records include spatial data. Data on location or space is critical to understanding ecological patterns or natural phenomena If the same collecting methodology is used in the same geographic location periodically, it is assumed that detected trends or changes in wildlife occurrence and distribution reflects trends or changes that may have taken place in that environment or in ecological interactions. Spatial databases allow more efficient forecasting for businesses, land developers, education and research personnel, etc.

Applicability of a GIS GIS can be used in just about any situation where there is a spatial component and the composite features of the same space can be separated to form layers. What is a Map Layer? A layer is an abstraction of a single feature from a spatial area represented on a map. This is where one feature is pulled from a geographic area and made to stand alone.

Some Sectors in which GIS is widely used Transportation (Highway system) Whether monitoring bus systems and road conditions, finding the best way to deliver goods and services, tracking fleet vehicles, or maintaining transportation networks Education A GIS allows students and researchers to ask and answer geographic questions by designing and analyzing maps using user-selected criteria. Engineering GIS provides the pipeline operator with improved capability to manage pipeline integrity, improved efficiencies in pipeline operations, and improved response to business development opportunities. Communication Location-based services combine GIS applications with easy-to-use mobile devices to provide information wherever and whenever it is needed.

GIS Sectors (cont.) Business Used in banking and insurance for more precise targeting of customers in marketing exercises Health and Human Services Understanding issues ranging from epidemiology to access to healthcare providers requires understanding the geographic context of health issues. Natural Resources Monitoring & Environmental Management Geography provides the framework to acquire, develop, and interpret the complex spatial and tabular datasets used for mining and the earth sciences. Mapping, spatial concepts, and time/space operations technology is absolutely essential to effective mining.

Example of GIS Use in Transportation Land Coverage of the United States

Major Highway Coverage (Highway Layer)

Highway layer superimposed with land coverage

United States Cities locations superimposed with highways

Who Uses GIS in Jamaica? Individuals Government agencies (e.g. Forestry Department, National Environment & Planning Agency, Urban Development Corporation) Non-government organizations (e.g. Jamaica Conservation Development Trust, the Nature Conservancy – Jamaica) Teaching & research institutions (e.g. University of Technology, University of the West Indies) Business enterprises & consultancies (e.g. Spatial Innovision

Processing of Maps There are Two primary stages in the Digitizing and Formatting Adding Attributes and Values

Digitizing and Formatting Digitizing is the process of assigning digital coordinates by physically or automatically tracing hard copy documents. Primarily used for converting paper maps or aerial photos into digital form.

Picture of a digitizing board Map or image is secured to board and important reference points are matched Important features of map are then traced with digitizing mouse by clicking the mouse

Digital references are then made to all polygons in digitized image

Further formatting of the digitized image is done

Finished Product

Adding Attributes and Values of Features Attributes are descriptive characteristics of the features of a spatial entity. Attributes take the form of: Measurements – height, distance, intensity, etc Classifications – Acidic, alkaline, residential, etc. Quality – good, bad, satisfactory, A, B, C, etc

GIS Software ArcInfo Arc View Most comprehensive GIS available Defines spatial relationships between connecting or adjacent coverage features Provides GIS data creation (e.g. digitizing), updating, mapping, querying and analysis Arc View Most popular desktop GIS and mapping software Provides data visualization, querying, analysis, and integration capabilities along with the ability to create and edit geographic data.

Africa Countries and lakes represented as polygons & rivers represented as lines

Africa Northern rivers selected (in yellow)

Africa Result of a query to find out what countries the northern rivers traverse (in yellow)

Africa Country of Gabon Selected (in yellow)

Africa Countries within 1000 miles of Gabon having rivers

The End Thank You