Lesson 7 - Spatial Analysis

Question 1

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Answer 1

is the field of computerized mapping. GIS has a wide array of applications, from the mapping of a regional sewer systems to determining the best location for an ice cream shop in a neighborhood. Data to be used in a GIS system can be captured through digitization or GPS. Digitizing is tracing points, lines and areas from a paper map, photograph, or raster image, resulting in a digital line graphic or vector file.

Question 2

Spatial data

Answer 2

in the form of themes, layers, or coverages. Spatial data can be displayed accurately because of georeferencing, which refers to the exact location for example in latitude and longitude. Themes could be waterways, forest land, school districts or any other thematic features.

Question 3

Attributes

Answer 3

information about an object or feature - taking a census tract as an example the attribute data would include the tract number, population, number of households etc. Attribute data are typically stored in a database or spreadsheet format. Ian McHarg in design by nature illustrated these concepts of layering thematic data with various attributes. His pioneering work led to the type of environmental planning work we can visualize in GIS today.

Question 4

Topographic map

Answer 4

is a two-dimensional representation of a portion of the three-dimensional surface of the earth.

http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/geog/basics/topo.htm

Question 5

Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

Answer 5

have improved the spatial accuracy of planning information. GPS allows the incorporation of the location of features and facilities into databases. This is used frequently in smartphone and associated apps to show your location or provide directions. It is also used by transportation departments to alert drivers to traffic delays.

Question 6

TIGER

Answer 6

s the acronym for Topographically Integrated Geographical Encoding and Referencing map, which is used for Census data. A TIGER map includes streets, railroads, zip codes, and landmarks. TIGER maps are used by the U.S. Census Bureau and can be downloaded into a GIS system, where they are often used as base layers upon which local information is added.

Question 7

Digital Aerial Photography

Answer 7

Digital aerial photography has allowed for increased accuracy to the 0.5 foot resolution. These photographs can be incorporated into GIS.

Question 8

Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)

Answer 8

show digital data about the elevation of the earth’s surface as it varies across communities allows planners to analyze and map it. DEMs can be used for storm water management, flood control, land use decisions, and other purposes.

Question 9

Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR)

Answer 9

is a new technology using a laser, instead of radio waves, that is mounted in an airplane to provide detailed topographic information. It can provide a dense pattern of data points to create one foot contours for DEMs for use in watershed mapping and hydrologic modeling for flood control. It can also be used to sense the environment for code violations, such as signs that were not built to comply with code.

Question 10

UrbanSim

Answer 10

is a simulation software program that models planning and urban development. This free software program is designed to be used by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)

Question 11

CommunityViz

Answer 11

is a software program that allows agencies to create 3D images. This allows citizens to visualize the potential for development and redevelopment.