Geographic Information SystemsGeographic Information Systems

GIS Software

1. The Early GISs1. The Early GISs

SURFACE II, by Kansa Geological Survey SYMAP, by Harvard Laboratory for Computer

Graphics and Spatial Analysis

SURFACE IISURFACE II Surface III displays of three-dimensional, single-valued

surfaces The input to Surface III is a text file containing X-Y-Z data

points. The program will create a matrix of rows and columns describing the surface. The gridding methods include distance-weighted averaging, polynomial fitting, and Universal kriging, Etc.

SURFACE IISURFACE II The software can create several kinds of maps

contour maps

three-dimensional fishnet diagrams

color-filled contours

data-point postings

Grids can be added, subtracted, multiplied, or divided by one another (grid-to-grid operations)

SYMAPSYMAP

Developed as general-purpose mapping package beginning in 1964

Output exclusively on line printers Poor resolution, low quality Limited functionality but simple to use A way for non-cartographers to make maps First real demonstration of ability of computers to

make maps Sparked enormous interest in a previously unheard-

of technology

2. Major GIS Software Packages2. Major GIS Software Packages

ArcGIS (ARC/INFO), Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)

ArcView, ESRI Autodesk Map, Autodesk Inc. GRASS (Graphic Resources Analysis Support System) IDRISI, Clark University Graduate School of

Geography MapInfo, MapInfo Corporation Maptitude, Caliper Corporation Geomedia, Intergraph Corporation

ArcGIS (ARC/INFO)ArcGIS (ARC/INFO)

A long lived, full function GIS With hundreds of sophisticated tools for map

automation, data conversion, database management, map overlay and spatial analysis, interactive display and query graphic editing, and address geocoding

A relational database interface Changed to object-oriented design in version 8+ Use Visual Basic as the programming language

ArcViewArcView

A desk top system for store, query, display, and analyze spatial data

A graphic user interface facilitates display and viewing Support other analyses such as Geo-coding, Spatial

Analyst, Network Analysis, web activation of ArcView maps, and 3D display

Autodesk MapAutodesk Map

Built on the capabilities of AutoCAD Extensively used in planning, engineering, and

architecture Supports topology, Oracle and SQL query, and

grids/images Extensive tools for coordinate conversion, map

editing and digitizing

Use C++ as a development tool 

Autodesk Map 3D User Autodesk Map 3D User InterfaceInterface

GRASSGRASS

Developed by the US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (CERL)The headquarters is at Baylor University after CERL terminated GRASS work in 1996

The first Unix based GIS, using raster data It is a free software with an open architecture

Grass 6.0 FeaturesGrass 6.0 Features

New Vector Engine (geometry) Volume visualization Vector network analysis Interoperability

http://grass.itc.it/grass60/index.php

IDRISIIDRISI

A not-for profit operation A raster GIS, with an open architecture Image processing and spatial statistical analysis Time-series analysis, spatial decision support,

uncertainty analysis

MapInfoMapInfo

A less than full-blown GIS, data ready Suited to economic, political, cultural, industrial

applications A link to Basic programming language MapBasic

MaptitudeMaptitude

Related to TransCAD, GIS-Plus GIS Come with geocoded and system-ready data Allow creation and maintenance of

database, analysis of geographic relationship, and map display

GeomediaGeomedia

A layer based GIS With a set of modules for different functions There are additional extensions for land information,

parcel management, public works, and transportation

Maintains topologically clean data without building topology

Use Orical and SQL for attribute data

3. Picking up a GIS Software3. Picking up a GIS Software

Cost Training Manual User support group Software maintenance

That is all well and good, but, but does it come with a remote?

4. Readings4. Readings

Keith Clarke, 2003, Getting Started with Geographic Information Systems, 4th edition, Prentice Hall.

Clients

FilesFiles(Personal Geodatabase,(Personal Geodatabase,Shapefiles, Coverages,Shapefiles, Coverages,Grids, tins, etc)Grids, tins, etc)

ArcSDE Services

DatabasesDatabasesMulti-user GeodatabasesMulti-user Geodatabases(in Oracle, SQL Server,(in Oracle, SQL Server,

IBM DBII, etc)IBM DBII, etc)

ArcInfo ArcEditor ArcView

ArcIMS Services

ArcExplorer Browser

InternetArcPad

ArcEngine/ArcObjectsApplicationDevelopment &Customization

c:\ ArcGIS WorkstationConsistent interfaceIncreasing capability

ArcMapArcCatalogArcToolbox

ArcMapArcCatalogArcToolbox

ArcMapArcCatalogArcToolbox

Source: ESRI with mods.Handheld/Wireless

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ArcServer Services

ArcGIS SystemArcGIS System

ArcVIEW ComponentsArcVIEW Components

FITS Files

Modules & Drivers

Hardware

Main Application

GUI

Script Serverhttp://wwwcascina.virgo.infn.it/automation/MEETINGS/18_Jan_2005/ArcView_IPAC18Feb02.ppt