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Mainly, there are four basic components of GIS:
a. Data Input Component
The data input component, converts data from its existing form into a form that can be used in a GIS. The forms of data could be as printed (hardcopy) or digital. The printed media could be formed of paper maps, tables of attributes, photos, etc., while digital data could be a form of electronic files of maps and associated attribute data, airphotos, and even satellite imagery.
The data input routines could be an easy and straight forward process or a complex one. The data could be converted from a hardcopy to digital or even from a digital form (with a certain data file extension) to other digital data forms (to other data file extensions).
This process or routine of input data could be a daunting task if the existing form of data differs greatly from the one used in a GIS, or the data amount is huge. Sometimes the conversion process itself is daunting.
Data input is the major bottleneck in the implementation of GIS. Construction of large data bases can cost five to ten times that of the GIS hardware and software.
May be it is worthy to ask several questions on data input component, such as:
- is there any existing data available from other sources to be used or should an organization build it from the scratch ?
- if there is existing data: is it suitable for the needs of organization?
- which one costs higher: using existing data and do some conversions or to build the data on organization's own that of course more suitable and match data requirement needs?
Since the type of data input will figure out the other components, it determines the entire system. The data input should be taken into deep account, because the best input will determine the best result, and any error in data input will cost organization more and more money to fix and suit it with the need of the organization.
For the critical reasons, data input methods and data quality standards should be well carefully considered before data entry is to begin. They are prone to receiving cursory attention in the midst of a flurry of data entry activity. The various methods of data entry should be evaluated in terms of the processing to be done, the accuracy standards to be met, and the form of output to be produced.
b. Data Management Component:
Data management component comprises functions needed to store and retrieve data from the data base. The methods used to implement these functions effect how efficiently the system performs all operations with the data.
Data manipulation and analysis component functions determine the information that can be generated by a GIS. After data being managed by Data Management, the Data Manipulation and Analysis component do some routines to analyze and finally produce information for GIS.
d. Data Output Component
The information produced then to be printed or displayed as output of GIS. The output or reporting functions of GISes vary more in quality, accuracy, and ease of use than in the capabilities available. Reports may be in the form of maps, tables of value, or text in hard-copy or soft-copy.
[Based on Geographic Information System: A Management Perspective. By Stan Aronoff, 1989]
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