1. Geographic Information System [GIS]
Continuum
E. Atlas Thematic Mapper--CAC GIS
GIS Definition & Key Elements

2. GIS Definition & Key Elements
GIS Characteristics
Fully Dynamic Computer Based
Describes, Predicts, Prescribes
Display & Analytical Flexibility
Up to the user
Up to the minute
Storage Device
Ideal location to store, edit, organize, & manage large spatial data sets
Extremely flexible – input/output
GIS Definition & Key Elements

3. GIS Definition & Key Elements
GIS Uses
Analysis
Available for scientific studies
Management
Can assist in managing a resource
Planning
An essential tool in the process
Education
An ideal way to provide spatial and temporal understanding
GIS Definition & Key Elements

4. Defining GIS 1: Scholarly
…an information system that is designed to work with data referenced by spatial or geographic coordinates… Star & Estes, 1990
[Where] an information system is that chain of operations that takes us from planning the observation and collection of data, to storage and analysis of the data to the use of the derived information in some decision-making process.” Calkins & Tomlinson, 1977
GIS Definition & Key Elements

5. GIS Definition & Key Elements
The 5 GIS Elements or chain of operations for implimenting an Information System
After setting an objective
Data Acquisition
Data Preprocessing
Database Management
Data Manipulation and Analysis
Product Generation
This process is not simply linear but recursive and iterative
GIS Definition & Key Elements

6. GIS Definition 2: Practical
A process that proceeds through the 5 essential elements from data acquisition through to final product generation – continuously (iterative & recursive)
Based on a defined goal or set of objectives (what to accomplish)
Where the spatial nature of the data is essential to successful application
Normally using a computer software package(s)
GIS Definition & Key Elements

7. GIS – relating to E. Atlas and Them. Mapper
Geographic Database software in either vector or raster format
Fully dynamic and involves geographic database – acquisition, preprocessing & storage, manipulations & analysis, and output production (see 5 elements note it is an information system)
Data stored in flexible electronic tables containing entities, attributes, and geocodes
Can continually add data
Data can be manipulated and updated at will
Limitless Choice of analyses & outputs
Can interface with sophisticated modeling tools for analysis, new uses continuously being discovered
GIS Definition & Key Elements

8. Key Elements of a GIS (review)
Entities – spatial objects
Points
Lines
Polygons
Attributes –characteristics or variables
Descriptors of an entity
Attached to an entity
Geocodes
Coordinates that places an entity in space
GIS Definition & Key Elements

9. How the Key Elements Work
Geocodes locate and anchor Entities in space while Attributes describe these entities
GIS Definition & Key Elements

10. How the Key Elements Work
Example – Bellingham is
located at Lat Long (geocode)
Represented by a point (entity)
Has a population of 81,454 (attribute)
GIS Definition & Key Elements

11. GIS Definition & Key Elements
Entities
Attributes
GeoCodes
GIS Definition & Key Elements

12. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Review
GIS is a system of hardware and software used for storage, retrieval, managing, analysis, and mapping or display of geographic/spatial data. 
Spatial features or data are stored in a coordinate system (latitude/longitude, state plane, UTM, etc…),
which references a particular place on the earth. 
Descriptive attributes in tabular form are associated with spatial features. 
GIS Definition & Key Elements

13. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Review
Spatial data (geocoded entities) and associated attributes in the same coordinate system can be layered together for mapping and analysis.   
GIS can be used for:
scientific investigations
teaching,
resource management,
development planning,
marketing,
political campaigns,
emergency management…
GIS Definition & Key Elements

14. GIS Definition & Key Elements
User Review: GIS
G stands for _______ and refers to______
IS stands for ________
What are the steps in IS
Is IS linear? Explain
How would you compare GIS to Thematic Mapping
What are the 3 key elements of a GIS
GIS Definition & Key Elements

15. List of GIS Software Programs
ArcMap
GIS Definition & Key Elements

16. GIS Definition & Key Elements
Website of uses of GIS in Transportation Planning
GIS Definition & Key Elements

17. GIS Definition & Key Elements
Website of uses of GIS in K-12 Education
GIS Definition & Key Elements

18. GIS Definition & Key Elements
Website of uses of GIS in National Park Management
GIS Definition & Key Elements

19. GIS Definition & Key Elements

20. GIS Definition & Key Elements

21. GIS Definition & Key Elements
GIS Definition & Key Elements

22. GIS Definition & Key Elements
GIS Definition & Key Elements