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Published byMelina Richard Modified over 9 years ago
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How to Pick a GIS Getting Started With GIS Chapter 8
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8 How to Pick a GIS 8.1 The Evolution of GIS Software 8.2 GIS and Operating Systems 8.3 GIS Software Capabilities 8.4 GIS Software and Data Structures 8.5 Choosing the Best GIS
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Choosing the GIS n GIS users need to be aware of different GIS software products during system selection and beyond. n Informed choice is the best way to select the best GIS.
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GIS software in 1979 n A historical GIS “snapshot” was the IGC survey conducted in 1979 n In the 1979 survey, most GISs were sets of loosely linked FORTRAN programs performing spatial operations n Computer mapping programs had evolved GIS functionality
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GIS in the 1980s n spreadsheet was ported to the microcomputer, allowing “active” data n relational DBMS evolved as the leading means for database management n single integrated user interface n degree of device independence n led to the first true GIS software
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Second generation of GIS software n used graphical user interfaces and the desktop/WIMP model n Unix workstations integrated GIS with the X-windows GUI n GISs began to use the OS GUI instead of their own n PCs integrated GIS with the variants of Windows and other OSs
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A functional definition of GIS n A GIS is often defined not for what it is but for what it can do. n If the GIS does not match the requirements for a problem, no GIS solution will be forthcoming. n A GIS may have overcapacity.
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The “critical six” functional capabilities n data capture n storage n management n retrieval n analysis n display
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Data capture functions n digitizing n scanning n mosaicing n editing n generalization n topological cleaning
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Steps in mosaicing
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Line generalization
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Storage functions n compression n metadata handling n control via macros or languages n format support
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Compression n By data structure u quad trees u run length encoding n By data format u compressed TIF u jpeg n By physical compression u digit handling
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Data management functions n physical model support n DBMS n address matching n masking n cookie cutting
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Cookie cutting
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Data retrieval functions n locating n selecting by attributes n buffering n map overlay n map algebra
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Map algebra
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Data analysis functions n interpolation n optimal path selection n geometric tests n slope calculation
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Interpolation ?
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Data display functions n desktop mapping n interactive modification of cartographic elements n graphic file export
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Functional capabilities are by- products of data structure n Raster systems work best in forestry, photogrammetry, remote sensing, terrain analysis, and hydrology. n Vector systems work best for land parcels, census data, precise positional data, and networks.
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Vector n Precision intact n Used when individual coordinates are important n More concise spatial description n Assumes feature model of landscape n Easy to transform data e.g. map projections
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Raster n Better for field data n Used by most imaging systems n Can be compressed n Easy to display and analyze n Many common formats n However, most systems now use both n Raster layer often backdrop-onscreen editing
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The Big Eight n Form the bulk of operational GIS in professional and educational environments n There are some significant differences between these “big eight” systems.
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Arc/Info ESRI Redlands, CA Arc/Info Market leader workstation (mostly) remarkable functionality many formats supported ArcEdit ArcGRID ArcPlot INFO
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ArcView Versions 1-3, 3.1 PC Windows Avenue Web links Map Objects Extensions
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AutoCAD MAP Windows all versions SQL DBF Access Extension to AutoCAD Menu-based Massive installed base Added grid, projection & topology support DB links good. 3D links good
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GRASS First UNIX GIS Developed by Army Corps of Engineers UNIX functionality Many unique functions Free until recently Many data sets Baylor University now supports
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IDRISI Developed at Clark University, Worcester MA Original in PASCAL, with open code Development uses a specialty Windows/DOS Spatial analysis/stats extensions
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Maptitude Caliper Corporation Consultancy TRANSCAD and GIS+ Many network solutions Windows Import/Export Address matching
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Microstation MGE CAD software with GIS extensions Intergraph Corp, Huntsville AL Uses Windows NT Many parcel applications Web extensions, server tools etc.
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MapInfo Based in Troy, NY Mapping functions Limited GIS functionality Uses Visual Basic Many applications Favored for 911, field
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A variety of issues should be considered in system selection: n cost n upgrades n LAN configuration support n training needs n ease of installation n maintenance n documentation and manuals n help-line and vendor support n means of making patches n workforce
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Selecting a GIS can be a complex and confusing process. n The intelligent GIS consumer should research, select, test, and question systems before purchase.
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Coming next….. GIS in Action
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