Support the spread of “good practice” in generating, managing, analysing and communicating spatial information Introduction to GIS for the Purpose of Practising PGIS Introduction to GIS By: Jon Corbett and Kasondra White Unit: M12U01

Introduction Participatory GIS (PGIS) Documenting, presenting and protecting local knowledge What is a GIS? Representing data Quantum GIS Participatory mapping and GIS

What is a GIS? GIS systems: –capture; –store; –analyse; –manage; and –present geographic data.

What is a GIS? GIS packages work with: –maps; –remote sensing; –land surveying; –aerial photography; –databases; –other tools.

What is a GIS? GIS applications allow users to: –create queries; –analyse spatial information; –edit data and maps; –present results. Information can be presented: –in a map; –in a textual form.

What is a GIS? Geospatial data: –information related to a location that can be expressed using coordinates GIS can be used for: –creating maps –visualising the relationship between places and events –searching for geospatial associations –analysing geospatial data

Representing data Kinds of questions that GIS can answer: –What is located at a given point? –What kinds of changes have occurred? –What kinds of patterns exist? –What would happen if some kind of a change were to occur?

Points, lines and polygons Points –one spot on a map –represent exact locations Lines –string of points –can be measured for distance Polygons –enclosed area –defined by often complex boundaries

Data layers Features are displayed through data layers Contain thematic data Layers can be: –turned on or off –placed on top of or below one another Multiple layers can be open at one time

Quantum GIS Open source –freely available –supported by a community of programmers and technicians User-friendly

The graphical user interface (GUI) Simplifying interactions with software Uses: –clickable symbols –text Understanding GUI functions is an important part of learning GIS

The graphical user interface

The toolbar

Participatory mapping and GIS Does GIS fit with the community’s vision? Does GIS directly address mapping needs? Is GIS anti-participatory? –expertise required –may require technicians from outside the community

Participatory mapping and GIS Practitioners of participatory development should avoid technologies that are: –complex –expensive –time-consuming May, however, still be useful “Chauffeur-driven” systems

GPS Displays points collected through a Global Positioning System (GPS) Captures coordinates of locations of interest Points can be uploaded and displayed Useful for depicting locations or boundaries