Data vs. Information

Data raw facts no context just numbers and text

Information data with context processed data value-added to data

summarized organized analyzed

Data vs. Information

Data: 51007 Information:

5/10/07 The date of you said yes to your boyfriend.

$51,007 The average starting salary of an accounting major.

51007 Zip code of Bronson Iowa.

Data vs. Information

Data 6.34 6.45 6.39 6.62 6.57 6.64 6.71 6.82 7.12 7.06

SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO INC.

$5.80

$6.00

$6.20

$6.40

$6.60

$6.80

$7.00

$7.20

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Last 10 Days

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Information

Data Information Knowledge

Data

Information

Summarizing the data

Averaging the data

Selecting part of the data

Graphing the data

Adding context

Adding value

Data Information Knowledge

Information

Knowledge

How is the info tied to outcomes?

Are there any patterns in the info?

What info is relevant to the problem?

How does this info effect the system?

What is the best way to use the info?

How can we add more value to the info?

Information Systems

Generic Goal: Transform Data into Information

At the Core of an Information System is a Database (raw data).

Information Systems (TSP and PCS)

Data doesn’t just appear,Capturing Data is really the first step

These systems help capture data but they also have other purposes (goals):

1. Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

2. Process Control Systems (PCS)

Capturing Data

What are some examples of real TPS’s?

What kind of data is being captured?

How is this data transformed into Information?

Data Processing

Recall that a basic system is composed of 5 components Input, Output, Processing, Feedback, Control

Typically processing helps transform data into information.

Input OutputProcessing

Raw Data Information

Processing

Summarizing Computing Averages Graphing Creating Charts Visualizing Data

Processing: Great Example

Navigation System Specialized Geographic Information System

Input: Maps, Addresses, Points of Interest, “Yellow Pages”

Processing: Computing Shortest Paths; Finding the Nearest Chinese Restaurant

Output: Directions (each turn + a map with arrows) List of nearby Chinese Restaurants (sorted by dist.)

Analysis – Navigation System

Recall that Information Systems have five more specific components:

People, Data, Communication Network, Hardware, Software.

In a Navigation System… what is the Communication Network? what is the Hardware? who are the People?

Course Goal: Help you analyze systems?

Step 1: Always ask yourself…What is the purpose of the system?

Step 2: Identify People, Data, Hardware, Software, Communication Network.

Step 3: Identify Input, Output, Processing, Feedback, Control.

Navigation System Feedback

So what is the feedback in a navigation system? Feedback is information about how the system

is performing. Feedback can help you identify problems with the

system…so you can improve it. Feedback helps you determine if the system is

achieving its goal. In a heating system, the feedback was the actual

temperature.

Navigation System Control

So what are some of the controls in a navigation system?

Control: Changing a variable to help the system reach its goal or to set a new goal.

In a heating system, the control was the desired temperature.

Navigation System Control

Obviously, entering a new destination Not so obvious…

zooming in changing the map view selecting an alternative route

Key Points

A Navigation System takes raw data (maps, locations) and displays it visually (data information) so that it is easier to drive to a location. Goal

The feedback (your current location) is perhaps the most important feature.

Paper maps can NOT show your location.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS

In lab we are going to learn more about…

1. GIS systems… Data more informational (more valuable) if you

visualize it on a map.

2. Attributes that make information more valuable…

Information is more valuable if it helps you achieve your goal.