Introduction to
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Chapter 1
Khadar Abdisalam, M.Sc.
University of Hargeisa
Chapter Outline
HOW DOES
INTRODUCTION TO GIS GIS WORK?
1 3
GEOGRAPHY
DATABASE &
TYPES OF DATA
4
GIS USES AND CAPABILITES Geographic Information
2
Systems (GIS)
We Live in Two Worlds
Natural World Constructed World
Self-Regulating Managed
. . . These Are Increasingly In Conflict
Geography
“Geo” = Earth
study of the
earth
and where things are
Data vs. Information
Data raw facts, no context, just numbers and
text
Data is of little use unless it is transformed
into information.
data with context
Information Processed data
value-added to data
summarized
organized
Analyzed
We transform data into information through
the use of an Information System
Data vs. Information
• Data: 51018
• Information:
5/10/18 The date of your final exam.
$51,018 The average starting salary of an
engineering major.
51018 Zip code of Berbera.
Data vs. Information
Data Information
• 6.34 SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO INC.
• 6.45
$7.20
• 6.39
$7.00
• 6.62
• 6.57 $6.80
Stock Price
• 6.64 $6.60
• 6.71 $6.40
• 6.82 $6.20
• 7.12 $6.00
• 7.06
$5.80
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Last 10 Days
Data Information
Knowledge
Data
Summarizing the data
Averaging the data
Selecting part of the data
Graphing the data
Adding context
Adding value
Information
Data Information
Knowledge
Information
How is the info tied to outcomes?
Are there any patterns in the info?
What info is relevant to the problem?
How does this info effect the system?
What is the best way to use the info?
How can we add more value to the info?
Knowledge
Information Systems
Generic Goal:
• Transform Data into Information
At the Core of an Information System is a
Database (raw data).
What is an Information
System?
What is GIS?
1
What is a GIS?
GIS Definition
What is GIS?
Geographic Information System
…not just software!
…not just for making maps!
What is a GIS?
GEOGRAPHIC Information System
GIS links graphical features (entities) to
tabular data (attributes)
GIS Functions
GIS Components
How does a GIS work?
• GIS data has a spatial/geographic
reference
This might be a reference that
describes a feature on the earth using:
• a latitude & longitude
• a national coordinate system
• an address
• a district
• a road name
Geography and Databases
• A GIS stores information about the
world as a collection of thematic layers
that can be linked together by
geography
Polygon 3 Scrub 17 Very high Clay
GIS provides Data Integration
107’
Vectors
Topology Dimensions
• Roads
• Land Parcels Surveys
• Population ABC
• Utilities Networks
• Land Mines Images Annotation
• Hospitals CAD
• Refugee Camps Drawings
27 Main St.
• Wells
• Sanitation 3D Objects
Addresses Attributes
Terrain
Two fundamental types of data
• Vector
A series of x,y coordinates
For discrete data represented as points, lines,
polygons
• Raster
Grid and cells
For continuous data such as elevation, slope,
surfaces
• A Desktop GIS should be able to handle both
types of data effectively!
Data Representation
Raster
Vector
Real World
Other features of a GIS
• Produce good cartographic products
(translation = maps)
• Generate and maintain metadata
• Use and share geoprocessing models
• Managing data in a geodatabase
using data models for each sector
What can you do with a GIS?
• The possibilities are unlimited…
Environmental impact assessment
Resource management
Land use planning
Tax Mapping
Water and Sanitation Mapping
Transportation routing
and more ...
Who uses GIS?
• International organizations
UN HABITAT, The World Bank, UNEP, FAO, WHO,
etc.
• Private industry
Transport, Real Estate, Insurance, etc.
• Government
Ministries of Environment, Housing, Agriculture,
etc.
Local Authorities, Cities, Municipalities, etc.
Provincial Agencies for Planning, Parks,
Transportation, etc.
• Non-profit organizations/NGO’s
World Resources Institute, ICMA, etc.
• Academic and Research Institutions
Smithsonian Institution, CIESIN, etc.
…working together!
Thank You!
