Geomatika for All » GIS

Facts About “Geomatics” on Internet

mervandi — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:32:06 +0000

Geomatics is not another strange word, i believe. It is just a common word on the internet as the widest jungle. I've been wondering how (well) internet knows about this word 'geomatics' couple months a go, but thank god, today i can fulfill my wonder by searching some search engines listed at my firefox browser.

Here is my searching in internet about this 'geomatics'. It is just a simple search and does not intended to make a further research -at least for now. The method i use is just search on those search engines using keyword 'geomatics'. That's all. I believe doing this kind of simple search convinces me that i'm not alone at this geomatics-related topic blog.

Well, here are the results:

1. Google.co.id: 2,060,000 search result on geomatics (0.09 sec) with Geomatics – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geomatics) at position number one.

2. Yahoo.com:1,860,000 for geomatics – 0.20 sec with Geomatics – wikipedia, the free encyclopedia at number one.

3. Answer.com: Searching on answer.com with keyword 'geomatics' come the result to Wikipedia

4. Amazon.com:Come to 3 pages of results, with each pages contains 16 items from books, sweatshirt, parking signs, pc cdrom, download / digital (ebooks), and each item listed still has more items.

5. Alexa.com: Results … of about 264,000 for geomatics, with book with title Geomatics by Barry F. Kavanagh (Author) in Amazon.com as the number one.

6. Technorati.com: a. Posts: …, b. Blogs: 23, c. Videos: 20

7. Ask.com: Geomatics showing … of 279,100, with Geomatics Industry Association of Canada (www.giac.ca/) on the top of the search result.

8. BBC News: 5 search result for 'geomatics, all with 96% relevance

9. Yahoo! Kids: 14 result search for 'geomatics',

10. Live Search: geomatics page… of 208,583 results, witk Wikipedia at the top.

11. del.icio.us (not counted)

Hmm.. about 2,000,000 search result is not bad at all.

GIS Design Approaches

mervandi — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:38:43 +0000

As a system, GIS design could be done by using some approaches. These approaches come from a view of how the GIS data are managed on a certain GIS. GIS data contains at least two kinds of data: the spatial data and the non-spatial attribute data. How to manage them such as store, maintain, integrate them could be done differently, and the practical way of doing this has introduced several methods or approaches.

There are at least four approaches to do GIS regarding on how to manage two kinds of different data on a GIS, according to Aronoff (1989) there are:

Four Approaches to GIS System Design

1. File Processing Approach

The File Processing Approach, develops a proprietary system providing the individual data management services required by the different application modules. This first category includes most existing GISes. Each data is stored as separated file. The user can invoke a separate analysis functions to manipulate one or more of these data files. Results are produced in the form of new data files that can be output using suitable routines.

2. Hybrid System

Hybrid System approach, develops a hybrid system using a commercially available DBMS (usually a relational one) for storage of the non-spatial attributes. Develop separate software to manage the storage and analysis of the spatial data, using the services of the relational DBMS to access the attribute data.

Example: ARC/INFO system from ESRI, where ESRI store the non-spatial attribute data in the INFO data base management system. While the ARC system provides for the storage and manipulation of the spatial data. Spatial analysis functions are provided using the "toolbox" approach. Individual modules are provided for such functions as data entry, editing, network analysis, and so on. These modules are then used sequentially to perform the required geographic analyses.

The GIS from Kork System also uses a hybrid approach. Where the non-spatial attribute data are maintained in a relational DBMS, and the spatial data are maintained in an object-oriented data base system called PANDA.

3. GIS Extension

GIS Extension approach, use an existing DBMS, usually a relational one, as the core of the GIS. Then develop extensions to the system where needed. Although the spatial and attribute data may be managed by the DBMS, a significant amount of software is generally added to the DBMS, to provide the spatial functions and graphic display used in geographic analysis. In this approach, GIS is built around an existing DBMS.

Example: System 9 developed by Wild Heerbrugg and Prime Computers. Where both the spatial coordinate and topological data as well as the non-spatial attribute data are stored using the relational data model. The relational DBMS supports variable length fields (to store spatial data), and extensions were added to the SQL query language to handle spatial referencing (such as the points and lines that comprise a geographic feature) and spatial query functions (e.g. overlay, connectivity, and neighborhood operations).

ORACLE (with its extensions of Oracle Spatial) included in this approach, where all data are stored using relational tables and queries are done using an extended SQL language. Such system is also developed by open source ORDBMS PostgreSQL (as object-oriented relational DBMS to manage the non-spatial data), and also adds an extension called PostGIS to handle spatial data. Some relational databases (DBMS) are doing research on developing DBMS extensions to handle spatial data, such as MySQL DBMS (free open source software).

4. Building from Scratch

Building from the scratch approach, starting from scratch and develop a spatial data base that is capable of handling the spatial and non-spatial data in an integrated fashion. A number of GISes under development at research facilities have incorporated artificial intelligent (AI) techniques, so that the system itself can create new information about objects as the system is used (i.e. to "learn" about objects from experience).

Example: Knowledge-based GIS, KBGIS-II has been developed at the University of California at Santa Barbara to explore these possibilities. Also the MAPS system being developed at Carnegie-Mellon University has taken a somewhat different approach than most other GISes.

Each of the four approaches has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as differs in complexity. The later approach has the more complexity. The GIS Extension approach –for example- is more complex than the Hybrid System, and the Hybrid System has more complexity than the File Processing approach. As the GIS develops, the more advance approach should be used in a GIS, although it much more depends on the organization needs. It is true that the GIS Extension approach is better than the Hybrid System in data integration, but it has more difficulty on doing data analysis, so that it is not suitable for every organization using GIS.

Some of the research and project mentioned here are based on Aronoff's book (1989). It is possible that some of the researches have been done or even stopped. Further exploration on these researches needed for future information. In other parts of the world, many researches are also being done to develop GIS in a such more advance. So, it would be any possibilities that the examples stated here have undergoing major development to improve from one approach to enter the more advance approach respectively.

[Based on Geographic Information System: A Management Perspective. By Stan Aronoff, 1989]

GIS Components

mervandi — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:06:31 +0000

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system that comprises several sub systems. Each sub system works as a system of its own as well. Each sub system or component has its own routines or code of conduct. Failure on one sub system or component will influence the entire performance of the system (GIS). So, to be a top perform GIS, these sub systems or components must be taken care carefully. There is a term of GIGO said that “Garbage In Garbage Out”, and this term is for GIS also.

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.

c. Data Manipulation and Analysis Component.

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]

ILWIS 3.4 Goes Open Source

mervandi — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 08:03:29 +0000

As an open source software user, I’m so glad to find out that more and more software and organizations support open source initiative. ‘My excitement goes from the top of some place very high’ (taken from dialogue in Cars –the movie- said by Luigi The Italian Car, an animation movie of Pixar Studio) whenever I hear this on GIS and its related software. One of GIS and remote Sensing software that goes open source is ILWIS start from version 3.4. I firstly noticed about this from http://lgis.wordpress.com/2007/07/05/ilwis-open-source/ (thanks to the owner) with a link to download. ILWIS (Integrated Land and Water Information System) is a PC-based GIS and Remote Sensing software developed by ITC (International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, http://www.itc.nl) of Nederland. “ILWIS 3.4 Open integrates image, vector and thematic data in one unique and powerful desktop package. It delivers a wide range of features including import/export, digitizing, editing, analysis and display of data, as well as production of quality maps.” (http://52north.org).

Before become an open source software, ILWIS was a low-cost software and has a wide user community already. But, in order to create better opportunities for the reuse and deployment of GIS functionality in a wider community, the ITC directorate has recently decided to make current ILWIS software free of charge and to migrate it as such to open source software under the 52°North initiative (http://52north.org).

52°North Initiative for Geospatial Open Source Software GmbH is an international research and development company whose mission is to promote the conception, development and application of free open source geo-software for research, education, training and practical use. 52°North backs an open initiative, which is driven by leading research organizations and individuals in the international GIS field. …. Our software is published under the GNU General Public License (GPL), but is also available via a dual licensing model for those who would like to tightly integrate our software into their own commercial software products.

Further info:

- http://lgis.wordpress.com/2007/07/05/ilwis-open-source/

- http://www.itc.nl/news_events/archive/research/0011.asp

- http://52north.org

- http://gismatters.blogspot.com/2006/10/open-source-gis-52north-and-esri.html

Say It With Map

mervandi — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:11:53 +0000

I just realized on this topic when i remember on one wise words suggesting to 'say it with flower' to show our feeling to somebody. On GIS, we can use this wise words too, but not to show feeling to someone, but to show places or directions. We can show people about places or directions by using maps. So, it will become 'say places with maps' or 'say directions with maps' or just 'say it with map'. Why map (is so important) ? What is a map anyway ? Does anybody can make a map ? How to use it ? When we should use a map ? I think those several questions contain 5W already: what, who, how, when, and why. May be to answer those questions will take pages, so i will post on this topic on several posting whenever it worthy. Everybody needs map. Everybody needs direction to go from one place to others. People need direction to go from their houses to the workplaces, as well as they need direction when to go to school dropping by their children. Children ? oh yes, children also need a map, and also their mothers, sisters, brothers, teachers, and so on. Wow, everybody needs a map ! Everybody needs a map, it is true. But there are different kind of maps to know why some people never use a real map, i mean a hardcopy written (printed) or even digital map. Some people never use (printed or digital) maps to go to places or directions. It is because of what we call 'mental map'. It means that the map is kept in mind, they memorize it. They need a map, but not the printed nor digital one, but they comfort and supplied by their mental map or the map that is kept by their brains. Usually, people need map for the first time to go to places, and after traveling for several times -or even just once- on some places, they get known and familiar to the places and directions. This because of the human brains and the power of 'doing' or experimenting. But still, they need a map on their first travel or journey or trip in order not to get lost, or may be just to get arrived there faster and quicker. We can say that, map has multi functions. The first and the main function is to show places and direction. But there are another kind of map, we call it 'theme map'. A theme map usually show (focus or emphasize on) about something other than place or directions. A theme map showing about availability of a 'theme' on certain places. That theme could be anything. It could be about water pipe network, it could be the number of people on a certain places, it could be showing numerous ATM (Automated Teller Machine) in a city, etc. When we deal with this kind of a 'theme map', it is no need to talk about direction all the time, since it also talks about numbers and availability of something (that is theme) on a specific places / territory. Here are some example on theme maps: density map (showing people density on a certain place), watering map (about the availability of water pipe network), gprs map (about the availability of telecommunication network or gprs services), ATM map (about ATM availability), etc. So, when we talk about places or direction or numbers or availability of theme on certain places, why don't we use maps? Sometime, when we ask someone about places or directions, the answerer will show us direction using words like: please go straight until you get quarters then turn left, after walking for 200meters turn right, then walk straight to another quarter then turn left again, then …bla bla bla. It will be a fortune if there is no a (verbal) communication miss (gap) between the asker and the answerer. Imagine, if we have to show directions to foreigners who don't know our language very well, what should to be done ! there will be so many misunderstanding. Why map is so acceptable by people regardless on who they are, are they foreigners or fellow citizens ? Simple, it because a map contains of symbols. Symbols or pictures are more acceptable by people, since symbols are more easily understood. People understand more easily when they are able to draw it in mind. Imagine this: which one is more easily understood when we want to tell someone about computer, verbally or using picture. It will be the same when we talk about places or direction. With map we could draw as many as symbols we need. We could draw a box to represent an office building, and circle beside it to represent the restaurant near the office, or we can use other symbols as well. What we need is just to tell people about what the symbols are representing. It is believed that a map could help people to ease their life. Map is acceptable by people in the world, since it contains symbols or pictures that are somehow more comfortable than verbal language. So lets start ‘say it with map’ on our daily lives.

Introduction to GIS (summarized from Aronoff, 1989)

mervandi — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 01:05:09 +0000

As start, here i put some introduction from "the Father of GIS" -Mr. Stan Aronoff, in his book: Geographic Information systems: A Management Perspective (WDL Publication:1989). Of course it's not the only book to say about GIS, there are so many others. May be some of you have known very well with this book since it is used in so many universities as a must-read GIS book. Why should i use Aronoff's book here ? Well, i should tell you that the book is very good for beginner. As it stated at the front of the book. Mr. Jack Dangermond (President of Environmental Systems Research Institute -ESRI) said at the Foreword that: "this book is aimed at both users and managers of GIS technology, and assumes that the reader has no previous background in the field. The book is designed to provide a novice user or manager with a logically complete introduction to what she or he needs to know in order to deal efficiently with GIS technology." That’s why I put this book for beginning of this blog, because it’s good for beginner, and it’s good as beginning too. Let's start. Here we go. At the very beginning of his book, Aronoff said that: "Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer-based systems that are used to store and manipulate geographic information." It is so straight forward and to the point, right ? Why should they're computer-based, why not manual system ? Why just geographic information, while there are so many data and information exist ? What's so important about this geographic information ? you ask. Well, further more, it stated that: “a GIS is designed for the collection, storage, and analysis of objects and phenomena where geographic location is an important characteristic or crucial to the analysis. While handling and analyzing data that are referenced to a geographic location are key capabilities of a GIS, the power of the system is most apparent when the quantity of data involved is too large to be handled manually. There may be hundreds or thousands of features to be considered, or there may be hundreds of factors associated with each feature or location. These data may exist as maps, tables of data, or even as lists of names and addresses. Such large volumes of data are not efficiently handled using manual methods. However, when those data have been input to a GIS, they can be easily manipulated and analyzed in ways that would be too costly, too time-consuming, or practically impossible to do using manual methods.” So, it is apparent now, that a GIS is not always (not must) a computer-based system, it also could be done manually. As it is stated more clearly by Aronoff (p:39) that: "..in its broadest sense, a geographic information system is any manual or computer-based set of procedures used to store and manipulate geographically referenced data." Please note that the most functions early stated here are: store, manipulate, and analyze geographically referenced data (no output ?). What the word ‘information’ in GIS for, if there is no output to display or no media to spread the result of the analyzed-data to become information ? Finally, the definition used in Aronoff's book stated in page 39, where: “A GIS is a computer-based system that provides the following four sets of capabilities to handle georeferenced data: 1. input; 2. data management (data storage and retrieval); 3. manipulation and analysis; and 4. output. The restriction to computer-based system reflects the focus of this book. There are many manual system that are used routinely to perform these functions and are effective for the tasks they perform and under the conditions in which they operate.” I think that’s all for the introduction. Some questions revealed. Of course, once more, there are many introduction to GIS by other experts. What’s yours ? (please summit your comment).

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GIS and People

mervandi — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 01:00:45 +0000

People nowadays saying about GIS for Geogrephic Information System. GIS term spreads worlwide. More and more people getting familiar with GIS term. Even in Indonesia, my country, my oldest son -10 years old in class 4 of the elementary school- has a lesson at school about this GIS. Well, it seems that my child will get more familiar and expert than i, since he gets his first lesson on GIS in his elementary school, while i got mine at university. But, even so, i believe that may be there are people who still get confuse on what GIS is. Well, from this moment, i'd like to share with you about this GIS. Any of you. Experts are most welcome, while for GIS learners -just like me- we can share many things here.