Introduction 3
Relationship between Remote Sensing and GIS 3
Increased Interest to Understand the Earth 4
Applications of Geographic Information Systems 5
Mapping Data 5
Proximity Analysis 6
Buffering 7
Finding Clusters 7
Finding the Nearest 7
Disaster Management 7
Crime Statistics 8
Archaeology 8
Health Management 8
Conclusion 9
References List 10
Geographic Information Systems
The use of Geographic Information Systems has significantly transformed over the past ten years. GIS has brought the golden age of powerful information technology that enables people to store large sets of data. This technology has also expanded system memories, and the process is affordable to many. Initially, only cartographers had access to these systems; but now it has become a central part of modern environmental science degrees. The GIS technology has been in existence for the last 50 years. But people were unaware of its existence especially those people learning in other fields of study. The GIS`s potential and application are still new and thrilling with limitless possibilities. GIS allow people to do many tasks at the same time. These tasks can be done faster and in a simpler way. Mapping nowadays is not kept exclusively to the cartographers. The field is now spread to many professionals, for example, planners, developers, and archaeologists.
Relationship between Remote Sensing and GIS
The GIS and the remote sensing technologies are tools that can be used together in applied hydrology. Conventionally, the result from either GIS or remote sensing can be used as input in hydrological models. Scientists have been thinking about how to incorporate both technologies in the hydrological model to form integrated analysis systems. GIS and remote sensing have been used together by the state and the government to monitor and forecast projects (Badurek 2016, web). In this case, the GIS technology provides resources to decision makers and managers. This resource includes tools that help in efficient and effective storage. The resources also are behind the manipulation of spatial and non-spatial and remotely sensed information. When the remotely sensed information is effectively incorporated with GIS, they can facilitate mapping, monitoring, measurement and modeling activities on earth. As some may think, GIS and remote sensing technologies are not used in place of conventional maps for hydrologists, but they help in facilitating management, processing and the interpretation of the entire data available. When the remote sensing data is combined with conventional data within a GIS, they provide a digital presentation of the spatial and temporal variations of the chosen variables. The same can be used as the input into the hydrological models. The data produced is of digital nature, and thus, quantitative analysis is done more easily, and the data can be updated and selected then printed to produce a conventional map or displayed on screens.
It is advisable to note that GIS and remote sensing technologies can either be used together or separately with the hydrological models. If they are used to form a combined application, an efficient though the complex approach is created (Peters 2012, 76). The approach is further integrated with remote sensing data processing, database manipulations, GIS analyses and models to form a single analysis system. But the formed integrated system that is used as a forecasting or monitoring system must be operated by the hydrologist who understands both the hydrological problem and the available technologies necessary. The hydrologist must not be a computer expert. Integrated analysis system helps the hydrologist to work finding solutions to problems instead of wasting their time on technical difficulties.
Increased Interest to Understand the Earth
Before the new technology used for earth observation was invented, GIS being among them, a scientist used to monitor the earth using ground-based observation techniques. Though it was possible to combine various pictures and use them to produce a global picture, the picture lacked some coverage and density of networks. Other biological and geophysical aspects like the vertical resolution of data also were not enough. NASA, for example, is among the scientist bodies that has used the earth observation technology in climate change research over the last few decades. Now, there has been a noticeable development of global climate change research. It is through this research that the world can produce a complete picture of physical, chemical and biological perimeters. The composition of data covering a vast area that is collected from earth observations is an improvement from that which was collected using ground-based technology. Nowadays, it is possible to observe large-scale processes and features through multi-temporal Earth observation data through modern technologies like GIS and remote sensing something that was not possible with the traditional methods. The collected vast quantity of earth data together with coverage and frequency of data provide the scientists with world images and maps that were difficult to collect with ground-based technologies.
Applications of Geographic Information Systems
The GIS enables scientists to record a base map that consists geospatial referencing, for example, latitude, longitude together with other features. The GIS also help link the individual layers to enable comparison of information collected. After collection of information statistical and analytical tools that form part of GIS are used to analyze the information for consumption by the public. The spatial analysis of the system help changes coded data to a form that ensure visual and striking representation of data. Some of the known applications of GIS include the following;
Mapping Data
The main function of GIS technology is to make available the visual representation of Earth observation data. The world estimates that almost 80 percent of data are geospatial in nature are collected using GIS technology. After assisting in the collection of data, the technology further helps to store the data in its database and later provide the data in a visually prepared format in the form of maps. The system can also estimate and analyze the data for comparison purposes. It is through the GIS technology that people can understand the position of things on earth by first knowing the spatial patterns and the relationships of earth features. For example, with the use of GIS technology a person can mark the position of wells around a lake.
In civil planning, GIS has led to noticeable progress that has changed the look of many cities. The GIS technology is an essential tool for urban and rural planning. For a few decades now, the technology is used to calculate local tax rates, mapping social deprivation, and planning desirability. The technology also can offer insights on where to direct new roads and on which one to repair first. In ensuring green environment, the technology is using the landscape to decide on what fit the area, for example, the use of GIS to decide on the prime site for wind farms in Montana Cascade.
Proximity Analysis
Using the GIS technology, the relationship between a certain location and the other can be analyzed and linked in a particular manner. The technology uses analytical techniques to evaluate this (Aronoff 2005, 47). The companies especially those operating internationally, utilize this service when they are deciding on the suitable outlets that are convenient at a certain time. The technique analyzes different factors, for example, economic and social aspects to decide on the best outlet. The correct time is calculated to enable the company to plan effectively on the next move. To ensure accurate proximity analysis, many themes are considered. These themes must use the same referencing technique to get the correct result. The GIS technology offers the distance between to vector points. The technology also offers the time taken to move from one point to the other and also offer the shortest route that can be taken to move from one point to the other.
Buffering
This technique is used with proximity analysis to show the sphere of influence of a specific point suggested. Buffering technique includes forming a zone around a given point, polygon or line of which the distance is known. This technique works by forming a zone around a specific geographic phenomenon for more research using an overlay method. For instance, a person may decide to form 1000 buffer around a school and then apply the overlay analysis to get the number of libraries that are within that distance.
Finding Clusters
When having a group of unrelated points, it is possible to select a match that certain criteria on a theme using the multiple algorithms that are contained in GIS technology. For example, the selected cluster may consist members that are in a place with the density of points not more than a certain set level. In most cases, the GIS technology will need some levels of iteration to get the exact algorithms.
Finding the Nearest
This is a technique by the GIS technology that gives the distance between an edge and a point of a certain element that has named as a polygon with the assistance of vector points. Since the 1980s, nearest neighbor algorithms have been subjected to an intense research. Afterwards, academics Beezers and Juan come up with new approaches in 1982. The defined algorithm focused on finding points that are either minimal, maximal or median groupings of the data set.
Disaster Management
Many people insinuate that Hurricane Katrina was the first time GIS was applied as disaster management equipment. The newly available technology a great deal of data about the street planning was shared by the first responder (Quattrochi and Luvall 1997, 301). Some of the data that were shared include the street that was accessible and that which were not together with news about the impact caused by the flood. Despite criticism by many the effort of GIS technology in data transmission before, during and after the flooding was crucial in making plans to relief people. GIS has been used to manage environmental issues, especially that relating to disaster relief. The GIS can also report on chances of experiencing droughts.
Crime Statistics
Law enforcers use GIS technology for law enforcement and planning on crime statistics. Though the police forces did not use the GIS technology before, automated and digital mapping made possible by GIS technology is helping in reporting crimes. The process that proved difficulty before is now fast and easier as crime information in different departments can now be located easily and information analyzed accordingly. The fact that police can share maps compare different types of crime has provided a good idea of what is happening in the entire region analyzed. The police and the community leaders can also have a two-way communication for the better understanding of each other.
Archaeology
The GIS technology is critical in analyzing characteristics of archaeological elements. Many applications have been used in the field of historical research to predict the location of historical sites, but none has given correct information. But with GIS technology, archaeologists can now predict and locate potential sites with historical importance.
Health Management
People have experienced how GIS can be used in proper planning and analysis to provide cancer services. The United Kingdom socialized healthcare system, and the National Health Service has improvised this in their system. The GIS technology is utilized to plan and diagnose various issues, for example, the catchment areas for the GP surgeries. GIS maps are also used to manage the resources of the National Health Service.
Conclusion
The world is experiencing transformation. Governments, schools, businesses, hospitals and nonprofit organization and others are enjoying the fruits. GIS technology improved the working condition of people around the world. Now they can work efficiently because of this technology. The data that was missing or limited to spreadsheets and databases is now available in the most presentable way by use of GIS technology. People are making more informed and correct decisions because of the new insights that are available. Information and now be easily linked to location an aspect that is used in businesses and community to make decisions. Allocating resources, zoning neighborhood, targeting a market segment, choosing a site, responding to emergencies and planning a distribution network can all be done fast and with much accuracy.
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References List
Aronoff, Stanley. Remote Sensing For GIS Managers. Redlands, Calif.: ESRI Press, 2005.
Badurek, Chris. "Assessment Of Potential Limits To Effective Escience Use Of Greenhouse Gas Data Sets". UMASS Medical School. Last modified 2016. Accessed April 17, 2016. http://escholarship.umassmed.edu/escience_symposium/2016/posters/20/.
Lo, C. P., D. A. Quattrochi, and J. C. Luvall. "Application Of High-Resolution Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing And GIS To Assess The Urban Heat Island Effect". International Journal of Remote Sensing 18, no. 2 (1997): 287-304.
Peters, Dave. Building A GIS. Redlands, Calif.: ESRI Press, 2012.
"Remote Sensing Data Assimilation". Remote Sensing of Environment 102, no. 3-4 (2006): I.
Schowengerdt, Robert A. Remote Sensing. Burlington, MA: Academic Press, 2007.
Shalaby, Adel, and Ryutaro Tateishi. "Remote Sensing And GIS For Mapping And Monitoring Land Cover And Land-Use Changes In The Northwestern Coastal Zone Of Egypt". Applied Geography27, no. 1 (2007): 28-41.
Weng, Qihao. "Land Use Change Analysis In The Zhujiang Delta Of China Using Satellite Remote Sensing, GIS And Stochastic Modelling". Journal of Environmental Management 64, no. 3 (2002): 273-284.
