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Danielle Gavin
Geographic Information Systems
CONE 2302.001
April 20, 2016

Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, are special-purpose digital database
in which a common spatial coordinate system is the primary means of reference
(KEF,2). There are some steps in order to use GIS. First, you must capture the data
then the GIS will integrate the information you provided with variables you select.
The GIS will then create a projection and finally data modeling. These components
of GIS make this technology very important in the production of maps and other
geological models.
To use the Geographic Information System you must have data and enter the
data into the system. This is the most time consuming part of using the GIS system.
Operator of the program must identify different objects on the map as well as the
space between each. Similarly, anything that should not be on the map must be
edited off. A grain of sand could connect areas that should not touch. Blemishes
always get recorded so be sure to double check for correctness. This is just the
beginning of GIS process.
Once you have data entered into the system, the next step is the computer
will analyze your data and relate it to each other in any way it can. You may enter
variables for it to compare to. This is just a simple correlation calculation that the
computer recognizes and can provide to you such as relating rainfall to the time of
year based on aerial maps. This step is useful if you are trying to compare your data
to something specific.
A very important process that GIS completes for you is projection. Projection
is a fundamental component of mapmaking (USGI, 2). It transforms three
dimensional information into two dimensional information. Projection also allows

for the operator to layer one map with another. This is particularly useful when
trying to compare two sets of information to one another.
The last parts of the GIS is data structures and modeling. The data that is ran
through the GIS is structured in a way that is called “Raster” data. Raster uses rows
according to data values to structure its data. This allows for easy manipulation of
the data by the GIS in order to convert to be compatible with a different data set.
Data sources will not always be the same especially with how many options there
are today. Lastly, the GIS models its data by creating contour maps. These are
quickly generated from the information you provided and the analysis of that data.
These models may be created from few points and can be overlaid on top of any
other GIS map. These models are also manipulated quickly in order to keep the
latest data. Structuring and modeling are the final important components of the GIS
and make it easier to identify what your data projects.

The layers pointed to with an arrow are examples of Raster data layers (NDAA, 1)
GIS is arguably one of the most helpful tools in the production of maps. The
programs allow for a vast amount of data to be stored, related and manipulated in
order to compare and predict trends. It makes it easier to combine a number of
locations into a comprehensive visual aide. Technology will continue to adapt and
grow in this field which will only make it easier to work with the data. Geographical
Information systems have made the job of surveyors less exerting.

Bibliography
K. (2014, September 11). Geographic Information Systems as an Integrating
Technology: Context, Concepts, and Definitions. Retrieved from
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/intro/intro.html
Geological information systems. (1991). Washington, D.C.?: U.S. Dept. of the Interior,
U.S. Geological Survey.
National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office. (2015, May 16). Retrieved from
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/?n=gis

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