GIS Survey

Definition of GIS:
GIS (Geographic Information System) is an information system that utilises geographically referenced data or spatial data for analysis and storage. It facilitates planning and decision-making in areas such as land use, natural resources, environment, transportation, urbanisation, and various administrative matters. In general terms, GIS refers to the representation of specific information through geographic maps.

Components of GIS:

GIS consists of five components, namely:

1. Hardware: GIS is operated through computer systems. Currently, it serves as a centralised server for computers in network configurations within GIS software.

2.  Software: GIS software allows for the storage, analysis, and display of geographic information.

3. Data: The most crucial component of a GIS is data. Geographic information can be collected with the help of GIS.

4. People: GIS technology is a system operated by people. It enables the execution of daily tasks.

5.Method: GIS is a well-organised implementation plan and usage policy that is managed according to regulations for model and operating practices in each organisation

Basic Functions of GIS

Due to its multifaceted nature, GIS incorporates a variety of information. To understand this information, several questions can be addressed, such as: What is it? Where is it located? How has it changed? What information is related to it? To answer these questions, the following steps are essential, known as basic functions:

1. Data Collection and Preprocessing
2. Data Retrieval and Data Management
3. Spatial Data Measurement and Analysis
4. Graphic Output and Visualization

Advantages of GIS

The advantages of GIS are as follows:

1. Geographic spatial data can be accurately stored in standard formats.
2. Data can be easily reconsidered and updated.
3. Geographic spatial data can be easily searched, analysed, and presented.
4. Geographic spatial data can be freely exchanged and shared.
5. It can enhance employee productivity and efficiency.
6. It allows for greater value addition to products.
7. It saves time and money.
8. It enables informed decision-making.

In which specific management areas is GIS effective?

GIS (Geographic Information System) plays an effective role in the following management areas. It assists in making informed decisions through the analysis, organisation, and presentation of geographic data. The management areas where GIS is particularly effective are:

1. Urban Planning and Development Management:

• GIS is used to analyse city roads, water supply systems, waste management, infrastructure development, and population distribution. It supports proper and sustainable urban development.

2. Environmental Management:

• GIS is used for forest conservation, wetland protection, biodiversity monitoring, and pollution control. By collecting and analysing environmental data, necessary actions for environmental protection and improvement can be taken.

3. Disaster Management:

• GIS plays a crucial role in predicting and managing natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones. It helps identify high-risk areas and organise rescue operations.

4. Water Resource Management:

• GIS is used to determine the depth, water flow, and water levels of rivers, lakes, and ponds. It is useful for irrigation, water supply, and conservation.

5. Agriculture Management:

• GIS is used in agriculture to monitor soil fertility, crop productivity, and soil moisture. It helps in effective agricultural planning and boosts production for farmers.

6. Tourism Management:

• GIS helps to identify the correct locations of tourist centres and highlight important spots for tourists. It is effective in planning and developing the tourism industry.

7. Wildlife Conservation:

• GIS is used to monitor and protect wildlife habitats. It helps identify their movements, habitat changes, and the locations of endangered species.

8. Transportation Management:

• GIS plays an important role in road planning, vehicle management, and traffic control. It helps reduce road accidents and improves traffic management.

9. Commercial Management:

• GIS is used for selecting appropriate locations for businesses, managing supply chains, and analysing customer data. It also helps in business expansion and strategy development.

10. Air and Sea Navigation:

• GIS is used for accurate navigation systems, identifying high-risk areas for aircraft and ships, and planning ports.

These GIS applications provide critical support for development, planning, and management across various fields.

What is meant by GIS Data Model?

The GIS data model refers to a set of guidelines that allows for the digital representation of the real world, enabling the logical presentation of spatial objects composed of attributes and geometry. The attributes are managed by thematic or semantic structures, while the geometries are represented by geometric topological structures. There are two types of geometric data models:

1. Vector Data Model.
2. Raster Data Model.

GIS Survey Solutions

Additionally, Surveyors depend on a variety of Programs and technology to Found a GIS field survey output. Similar They gather Current information, collect new information, analyse data, produce plans, manage projects, and deliver Precise survey outputs. 

GIS Survey in Bangladesh

Moreover, Geographical information system GIS survey is not just a survey but a technology that can Compilation much more things to one place. Likewise Providing a central location to conduct spatial analysis, overlay data, and combine other solutions and systems.

Moreover, GIS survey is built on a Data store rather than individual project files. But also Meanwhile, a Data store enables Cartographers to manage, reuse, share, and analyse data, saving them easily in a short time. Indeed, Surveyors play a central role for government Bureaus and private organisations.

GIS Surveying Software

ESRI® GIS Survey Applications solutions are Compatible with the many data formats and useable in the field and office. Also, that allows Cartographers to provide data to various Organisations in the required format. 

Specifically, The ArcGIS® suite of Applications helps Topographers manage critical data by bringing them together with a Mechanised system. Moreover, the most modern GPS HGT helps a lot to collect data than traditional Equipment.

Usually, tabular data is known as attribute data. Attribute data can be generally defined as additional information about each of the spatial features. 

An example of this would be schools. Similarly, the actual location of the schools is the spatial data. Additional data such as the school’s name, level of education taught, student capacity would make up the attribute data.

However, these two data types that enable GIS Survey to be such an effective problem-solving tool through spatial analysis.

GIS field surveying

Usually, tabular data are known as attribute data. Attribute data can be generally defined as additional information about each of the spatial features. Specifically, an example of this would be schools. The actual location of the schools is the spatial data. 

Additional data such as the school’s name, level of education taught, student capacity would make up the attribute data.

Likewise, these two data types that enable GIS Survey to be such an effective problem-solving tool through spatial analysis.

Moreover, GIS is more than just software. It’s a combination of geospatial software and tools. Most importantly to enable spatial analysis, manage large datasets, and display information in a map/graphical form.

SBSC can deliver high-quality custom GIS Survey products and services at a reasonable cost. Indeed, we have the technical skills and professional experience to offer a variety of GIS services. 

Just as We can create maps that display information related to environmental and habitat analyses. But also prepare sophisticated spatial analyses of vector and raster datasets.

Additionally, we have the capability of geographically displaying species habitats, soil types, watershed and stream locations, National Wetland Inventory (NWI) areas, slope, and a variety of other spatial datasets.

Mapping & GIS Field Surveying

Mapping and GIS survey applications allow to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographically referenced data. GIS technology combines database, mapping, and statistical methods to integrate georeferenced data into a visual display. 

Where the relationships, patterns, and trends of data can be more easily identifiable.
Although Mapping and GIS applications do not rely on GNSS. Similarly, The GNSS technologies allow us for low-cost data acquisition, therefore, that increases the general use of GIS technologies.

 Development History of GIS

In 1963, Roger Tomlinson established the concept of the “Canada Geographic Information System (CGIS)” for the Canadian government, which is considered the first and true research in GIS. Here, Tomlinson collaborated with other officials from the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) to create and publish numerous computer-generated maps related to land surveys and land inventories. He played a significant role in developing the drum scanner for map digitization. Due to his tireless efforts and contributions to the promotion and advancement of GIS, Roger Tomlinson is often referred to as the “father of GIS.”

The basis for the development of GIS can be illustrated in the following table:

Concepts:

1. Digitization
2. GPS Generation
3. Storage
4. Display (Map Reports and Data)
5. Manipulation and Analysis

• Query
• Spatial Overlays
• Buffer Zones

Benefits of GIS

When GIS is successfully implemented, the following advantages can be realised:

1. Geographic spatial data can be accurately maintained in a standardised format.
2. Data can be easily reviewed and updated.
3. Geographic spatial data can be readily searched, analysed, and presented.
4. The potential for higher value-added products.
5. Geographic spatial data can be freely exchanged and shared.
6. Employee productivity and efficiency can be increased.
7. Time and costs can be saved.
8. Informed decision-making is facilitated.
9. Data and information can be kept accurate.
10. There is an opportunity to search for information.

Major Applications of GIS

The main applications of GIS are described below:

1. Facility Management:

• (i) Installation of underground pipelines and cable lines.
• (ii) Implementation of planned facilities.
• (iii) Telecommunication network services.
• (iv) Planning for energy consumption.
• (v) Route determination.

2. Environmental and Natural Resource Management:

• (i) Research for agricultural crop production, forest management, agricultural land, water resources, etc.
• (ii) Environmental impact analysis in disaster management and waste management.

3. Road Network:

• (i) Determining routes for vehicle movement.
• (ii) Locating places.
• (iii) Ambulance services.
• (iv) Communication planning

(4) Planning and Engineering:

• (i) Urban planning.
• (ii) Regional planning.
• (iii) Determining locations for highways.
• (iv) Improvement of public amenities.

(5) Land Information System:

• (i) Schedule administration.
• (ii) Taxation.
• (iii) Division of land use into various zones.
• (iv) Land parcelization.

GIS and Other Sciences

There are currently many differences between GIS and other sciences. These are shown in the table below:

GIS

(i) Accurate and integrated digital databases are systematically searched through computers.

(ii) Operations can be performed very quickly.

(iii) Tasks can be done very easily.

(iv) Cost-effective.

Other Sciences

(i) Paper maps, census data, and tables are manually checked at various scales.

(ii) Time-consuming and labour-intensive.

(iii) Work is comparatively complex.

(iv) More expensive.

Basic Function of GIS

The main functions of GIS are as follows:

(i) Data collection and preprocessing.

(ii) Data retrieval and data management.

(iii) Spatial data measurement and analysis.

(iv) Graphic output and visualisation.

(v) Scale transformation, photographic maps, etc.

GIS Data Model

Geographical variability is indeed very complex and is represented based on discrete objects. The data is presented based on data models. There are generally two types of data models:

(1) Raster Data Model

(2) Vector Data Model

Topology in GIS

Geographic data represents an object based on its location, contributions, and geological position. It is a mathematical method associated with geographic coordinates. With the help of topology, one can define areas by drawing polygons, accurately indicating their positions along with their neighbouring states.

Sources of Geographic Data

The sources of geographic data are as follows:

(i) Maps
(ii) Reports
(iii) Survey data
(iv) Consultation with local individuals
(v) Historical records

Methods of Data Capture

Various methods are commonly used for data capture. These include: (i) Use of digital information technology
(ii) Scanning
(iii) Generating GPS data
(iv) Converting analog data into digital format
(v) Tabular data entry
(vi) Field data collection
(vii) Satellite data collection

Meta Data

Meta data allows for the creation of data models. It can be used to generate areas through a series of lines. By connecting these lines, the boundaries of discrete objects, such as streams, can be represented. This method requires less storage and allows for quick editing. Using this data, areas or perimeters can be accurately measured, and network analysis can be performed rapidly. In summary, meta data is highly beneficial. It can be categorised  into three types:
(i) Descriptive
(ii) Structural
(iii) Administrative