Unit 1 Introduction to GIS

Question 1

What is GIS

Answer 1

Geographical Information System
Its a system not a computer application

Question 2

What does GIS allow

Answer 2

Allows to digitally show geographic objects of different shapes and overlay those shapes

Question 3

The aim of GIS is…

Answer 3

Aim is to visualise and analyse spatial data and produce maps , graphs, tables, reports

Question 4

Why use GIS in M&F Science

Answer 4

Designation/Monitoring of protected sites like:
- Document baseline
- Presence of sensitive/protected habitats/species
- Monitoring conservation status of habitats/species
Appropriate assessments (Natura 2000)
Environmental Impact Assessment
Monitoring obligations (Operation Licenses)

Question 5

Five components of GIS

Answer 5

Hardware
Software
Data
Methods
People

Question 6

How does GIS capture data

Answer 6

Either geographic or tabular data (attribute tables)

Question 7

How does GIS store data

Answer 7

Vector and rastor files

Question 8

What is query data

Answer 8

Find specific features based on locations or attribute values.

Question 9

Raw data is

Answer 9

A collection of seemingly random disorganized facts or numbers.

Question 10

Information is

Answer 10

When data is processed, organized, structured or presented in a given context.

Question 11

Examples of output data

Answer 11

Producing maps, reports, graphs, online GIS tools.

Question 12

What is data imported in ‘tabular form’

Answer 12

csv or txt tables

Question 13

3 types of GIS spatial data

Answer 13

Vector: Points, lines, and polygons (x,y)
Raster: Row and column matrix (georeferenced digital maps)
Tabular: attribute tables

Question 14

A Layer is GIS is…

Answer 14

The visual representation of a geographic dataset in any digital map environment. Conceptually, a layer is a slice or stratum of the geographic reality in a particular area, and is more or less equivalent to a legend item on a paper map.

Question 15

Examples of vector files

Answer 15

Polygons, Lines, Points, X Y Values, Multiple attributes.

Question 16

Whats Tabular Data

Answer 16

Table or database.
Can be transformed into spatial data and mapped:
- Join w/ spatial data files by a common attribute (state name, unique ID, etc.)
- Map as points using coordinates such as longitude and latitude gathered from a GPS device.

Question 17

What are raster data files

Answer 17

Matrix of cells (pixels) organized into rows and columns (eastings, northings)
Each pixel has one value, e.g. temperature (colour)

Question 18

Examples of where raster data is represented in real life

Answer 18

Thematic data: soil data or land use
Continuous data: spectral data from satellite
imagery or aerial photographs
Scanned physical maps or architectural drawings.

Question 19

Why are raster files useful

Answer 19

Can be used as basemaps: background to overlay vector files.
Surface maps: continuous changes across the landscape, e.g. surface elevation, seabed bathymetry.
Using multi-spectral data to classify vegetation or habitat types.

Question 20

What is Data Integration: Geodatabases

Answer 20

Collection of geographic datasets of various types (tables, shapefile, digitized maps) held in a common file system folder.
Each dataset is a separate file on disk. All datasets belonging to one geodatabase are contained in a single folder.

Question 21

in summary in GIS we do:

Answer 21

1. Data input: import tables and shapefiles
2. Data management: organise and query data
3. Data analysis: answer questions
4. Data output: map layouts