Introduction Flashcards
The components of a “GIS”
- Staff
- Data
- Hardware
- Software
What is a “GIS”
Essentially, a map tied to a database
What hardware does a “GIS” use?
- computer
- monitor
- digitizing tablet
- scanners
- printers
- plotters
- hard disks
- CDROMs
What software could you use for a “GIS” & whats the price range?
- ArcGIS
- Arcview
- Intergraph
- Idrisi
- Mapinfo
- Atlas
- GRASS
(these can cost anywhere ~$25,000+)
Whats the most expensive and time-consuming part of a “GIS”
The Data
What are some options for “GIS” Data?
- create your own
- hire someone to make it
- find it for free (usually requires a time investment before is ready for use)
- buy it ready made
Why is the staff of a “GIS” so important?
Most “GIS” applications require trained and dedicated professionals to operate them
What does spatially mean in regards to a “GIS”?
a term used to describe any data related to or containing information about a specific location on the Earth’s surface.
What is a Map?
a scale model representation of reality
What is cartography?
art and science of making maps
How do “GIS” maps work?
- combines multiple layers of information
- each layer has its own set of symbols
- care is taken to ensure no info is lost when layers are placed in a particular drawing order on a map
Map/Data Frame
cartographic element
holds the “reduced” representation of real world objects, with sets of symbolized layers as graphics
Title
cartographic element
a descriptive title for the entire map
Legend
cartographic element
descriptions of the layers with associated symbology
Text & Animation
cartographic element
labels, numbers, text strings, etc. that are placed in the map to add descriptive info about themes or features or any added textual info
Scale
cartographic element
verbal, representative fraction or graphic scale that describes the amount of reduction of the graphic layers contained in the map frame
North Arrow
cartographic element
symbol depicting the geographic north direction for purposes of viewer orientation - can represent cardinal points of the compass
Date
cartographic element
map production date placed on the map in order to determine currency of map data
Author
cartographic element
map author name, if clarification is required about sources, methodology, etc.
What are the levels of ArcGis?
level 1: ArcView
level 2: ArcEditor
level 3: ArcInfo
level 4: ArcEditor
What can ArcView do?
- Data Access
- Mapping
- Customization
- Spatial Query
What can ArcEditor do?
the capabilities of ArcView
+
- Coverage and Geodatabase editing
What can ArcInfo do?
the capabilities of ArcEditor \+ - Advanced Geo-processing - Data Conversion - Workstation
What are the 3 Major ArcGIS applications?
- ArcMap - use to make maps
- ArcCatalog - use to organize files and create features
- ArcToolbox - use to access analytical, conversion and data management capabilities
