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6-Attribute Data Input and Management

This document discusses attribute data input and management in GIS. It explains that attribute data can be stored separately from spatial data in a georelational model or embedded within spatial data in an object-oriented model. Attribute data is typically stored in database tables with fields representing characteristics of spatial features. Common data types include characters, integers, and floating points which can be nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio scales. Relationships like one-to-one and one-to-many are important for joining spatial and attribute data. The document also outlines methods for attribute data entry, verification, and creation from existing data in GIS software.

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186 views14 pages

6-Attribute Data Input and Management

This document discusses attribute data input and management in GIS. It explains that attribute data can be stored separately from spatial data in a georelational model or embedded within spatial data in an object-oriented model. Attribute data is typically stored in database tables with fields representing characteristics of spatial features. Common data types include characters, integers, and floating points which can be nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio scales. Relationships like one-to-one and one-to-many are important for joining spatial and attribute data. The document also outlines methods for attribute data entry, verification, and creation from existing data in GIS software.

Uploaded by

Saxena
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Attribute Data Input

and Management
Chapter 6

Introduction

Spatial and attribute


Attribute data are stored in tables
Georelational data model stores spatial and
attribute data in separate files, linked by
feature id.
Synchronized.
Object-oriented data model stores spatial and
attribute data in a single database.
No need to synchronize

Attribute Data in GIS

Georelational data model links spatial data and


attribute data by id.
Attribute data stored in feature atttribute table which
contains the id.
Row is called a record, column is called a field or an
item.
Database management system (DBMS)

Info, dBase, Oracle, Informix, SYBASE, Access, FoxPro,


SQL Server, etc.

Object-oriented embeds GIS into database

Types of Attribute Data

Character, integers, floating points (or real


numbers), dates, time intervals.
Measurement scale

Nominal (named)
Ordinal (ordered by some attribute)
Interval (known interval such as degree)
Ratio (based on meaningful absolute zero)

Categorical (n and o); Numerical (i and r)

Types of Attribute Data

Data types and measurement scales are


closely related.
Character for nominal and ordinal
Integers and real for interval and ratio,
depending on decimal needs
Most GIS can convert numbers to characters
and vice versa.
Watch! Normally text left, number right
justified

Relational Database Model

Flat file (ascii or txt)


Hierarchical database (family tree example)
Network database (connections developed)
Relational
Key

efficient, independent, temporary link

Relational Database Model

Constructing a relational database


Why?
General ideas.
Sample of Northwind with Microsoft Access
on your computer.
Normalization

Types of Relationships

One-to-one
One-to-many
Many-to-one
Source table
Destination table

Attribute Data Management


Using ArcView

Two functions

join (one table)


link (both tables remain
virtual tables

Attribute Data Management


Using ARC/INFO

JOINITEM

RELATE

one-to-one
many to one
permanent
exactly same item key
one-to-one
many to one
temporary

CURSOR for link-like

Attribute Data Entry

Field definition

data width
data type (must match GIS package)
number of decimal places
include spaces for negative sign and decimal
point

Methods of data entry

avoid manual
import if possible

Attribute Data Entry


Methods of data entry

UPDATE (one record at a time!)


look up table
take advantage of relational data model
use user-friendly cut and paste and then import

Attribute Data Verification

Woe is me!
Linked to spatial data
Accuracy of attribute data
Range and validity checking
Printing
Re-entry and compare
Expert spot check

Creating New Attribute Data


from Existing Data

Simplify by reclassification

new field
select and fill
repeat

Attribute data computation

computation
weighting

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