Introduction to Technology in Science
Dr. Asha Sharma
Asstt. Prof. In Geography
Mata Sundri Khalsa Girls College, Nissing
ABSTRACT:
Geographic information systems (GIS) use computers to acquire, store, process, and analyze
geographic information, which is defined as information about features and phenomena at specified
locations on or near the Earth's surface. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is one of a growing
number of satellite systems that emit precisely timed signals, allowing users on or above the Earth's
surface to determine position with great accuracy. Both GIS and GPS have fuelled a major growth
in mapping and in services that support various kinds of decision-making, including way finding,
management of distributed resources, and modeling of the human and physical processes that affect
and modify the Earth. The objective of writing this paper to introduce the technologies GIS and
GPS and understand their capabilities.
GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
SYSTEM (GIS) :
➢ GIS may be defined as the integration of
computer hardware & software with
spatially referred digital data so that storage,
retrieval, manipulation, analysis and display
all forms of geographically referenced
information.
➢ GIS is a computer assisted system that can
input, store, retrieve, analyse & display
geographically referenced information
useful for decision making.
Components of a GIS :
An operational GIS also has a series of
components that combine to make the system
work. These components are critical to a
successful GIS. A working GIS integrates
five key components :
Hardware
Software
Data
People
P a g e | 1333 Hardware
Hardware is the computer system on which a
GIS operates. Today, GIS software runs on a
wide range of hardware types, from
centralized computer servers to desktop
computers used in standalone or networked
configurations.
Software
GIS software provides the functions and tools
needed to store, analyze, and display
geographic information. A review of the key
GIS software subsystems is provided above.
Data
Perhaps the most important component of a
GIS is the data. Geographic data and related
tabular data can be collected in-house,
compiled to custom specifications and
requirements, or occasionally purchased from
a commercial data provider. A GIS can
integrate spatial data with other existing data
resources, often stored in a corporate DBMS.
The integration of spatial data (often
proprietary to the GIS software), and tabular
data stored in a DBMS is a key functionality
afforded by GIS.
People
GIS technology is of limited value without the
people who manage the system and develop
plans for applying it to real world problems.
GIS users range from technical specialists
who design and maintain the system to those
who use it to help them perform their
everyday work. The identification of GIS
specialists versus end users is often critical to
the proper implementation of GIS technology.
Methods
A successful GIS operates according to a
well-designed implementation plan and
business rules, which are the models and
operating practices unique to each
organization.
As in all organizations dealing with
sophisticated technology, new tools can only
be used effectively if they are properly
integrated into the entire business strategy and
operation. To do this properly requires not
only the necessary investments in hardware
and software, but also in the retraining and/or
hiring of personnel to utilize the new
technology in the proper organizational
context. Failure to implement your GIS
without regard for a proper organizational
commitment will result in an unsuccessful
system . It is simply not sufficient for an
organization to purchase a computer with
some GIS software, hire some enthusiastic
individuals and expect instant success.
Functions of GIS:
A. Data pre-processing, manipulation
& retrieval
B. Data analysis
C. Data display
D. Database management
It helps the planners in efficient &
cost effective decision making
based on multiple scenarios
available.
GIS allows integration of all types
of data together based on
geographical & locational
components of data.
GIS is application oriented.
Frequent revision of digitized GIS
data is possible.
Changes over time can easily &
rapidly monitored through GIS.
GIS technology enables high quality
output.
Spatial patterns & processes can be
effectively described & explained by
GIS.
Applications of GIS
Business : GIS helps retailers, real
estate professionals, insurers, and
others to visualize,
manage, and analyze any business
asset.
Defense & Intelligence : GIS plays
an important role in assessing
terrorist targets, battlefield planning,
and military facilities management.
Education : GIS provides educators
with tools to help students develop a
greater understanding of our world.
Government : GIS helps
governments increase efficiency,
reduce costs, improve coordination,
and deliver transparency and
accountability.
Health & Human Services : GIS
helps health organizations leverage
limited resources and positively
impact individuals, families, and
society.
Mapping & Charting : GIS allows
aeronautical, cartographic, and
nautical organizations to implement
an effective and efficient workflow.
Natural Resources : Natural resource
professionals rely on GIS to help make
critical decisions as they manage the eaarth's
resources.
Public Safety : GIS gives public safety
personnel the ability to visualize
relationships and reveal trends critical to
response and planning.
Transportation : Transportation
professionals use GIS to help in managing,
planning, evaluating, and maintaining
transportation systems.
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM
The Global Positioning System (GPS)
is a satellite-based navigation system
made up of a network of 24 satellites
placed into orbit by the U.S.
department of Defense. It provide
P a g e | 1335 information almost anywhere in the
world.
GPS was originally intended for
military applications, but in the
1980s, the government made the
system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions,
anywhere in the world, 24 hours a
day.
There are no subscription fees or
setup charges to use GPS.
With some consideration for error,
GPS can provide any point on earth
with a unique address (its precise
location). GPS tells us "where",
whereas GIS tells us "what".
Components of GPS :
GPS is not a single unit. It is a system & has
a following three major components.
1. Satellites
2. Ground Control Stations
3. GPS receivers or units
Picture
1. Satellites: There are 24 satellites & 3
spare satellites. The exact location of each
of the satellites at any given moment is
known. Very accurate clocks are installed
onboard these satellites. The satellites send
radio signals continuously towards earth.
These signals contain several pieces of
information such as satellite ID number,
time stamp, exact position of satellite etc.
2. Ground Control Stations: These are
five control stations to monitor the satellites.
These stations unable the information on
earth to be transmitted to the satellites.
Control stations track satellites & update the
position of each satellites continuously.
These stations ensure accuracy of the
system.
3. GPS receivers: GPS units are referred
to as receivers. These units receive radio
signals from satellites, which contain
important information such as time stamp,
satellite ID number, satellite position etc.
The receiver knows exactly when the signal
leaves the satellite (time stamp) and when
the signal arrives at the receiver. Hence, it is
possible to calculate the distance from
satellites as distance time x velocity of
light. The receiver also knows the exact
position of
satellite via the signal. The receiver is
therefore able to determine its exact distance
from satellite.
Functions of GPS:
For connecting & storing points.
For collecting & storing routes, a path
between two or more points.
'GOTO' function is useful in guiding to
a predetermined point.
GPS can be programmed to 'beep'
when you are within a certain
Marine GPS with built-in tide tables
provide information & ranges for any
date & any place.
GPS can calculate ground speed as you
walk, run, drive or fly.
In addition to providing with your
latitude & longitude, GPS provides
you with altitude information.
GPS Applications
Like the Internet, GPS is an essential element
of the global information infrastructure. The
free,
open, and dependable nature of GPS has led
to the development of hundreds of
applications affecting every aspect of modern
life. GPS technology is now in everything
from cell phones and wristwatches to
bulldozers, shipping containers, and ATM's.
GPS boosts productivity across a wide swath
of the economy, to include farming,
construction, mining, surveying, package
delivery, and logistical supply chain
management. Major communications
networks, banking systems, financial markets,
and power grids depend heavily on GPS for
precise time synchronization. Some wireless
services cannot operate without it.
GPS saves lives by preventing transportation
accidents, aiding search and rescue efforts,
and speeding the delivery of emergency
services and disaster relief. GPS is vital to the
Next Generation Air Transportation System
(NextGen) that will enhance flight safety
while increasing airspace capacity. GPS also
advances scientific aims such as weather
forecasting, earthquake monitoring, and
environmental protection.
Finally, GPS remains critical to U.S. national
security, and its applications are integrated
into virtually every facet of U.S. military
operations. Nearly all new military assets --
from vehicles to munitions -- come equipped
with GPS.
References :-
1. http://www.academia.edu/1456350/The
_Functionality_of_a_Geography_Infor mation_System_GIS_Technology_in_G eography_Teaching_Application_of_a_
Sample_Lesson.
2. Geography of India, Prof. Ranjit Tirtha (Eastern Michigan University, USA) 3. Atmosphere Weather And Climate, :
SIDDHARTHA
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic
_information_system
5. http://en.wikipedia.org./wiki/Remote_se
nsing
6. http://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents
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Stephen R. Galati
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10.GIS Basics by Shahab Fazar 11.GIS by B. Gurugnanam
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