GIS Applications and Data Types

Introduction A Geographic Information System is a combination of hardwares and softwares that enable researchers to envisage, capture, display and analyze data from different geographical positions. It gives the users a great opportunity to interpret data quickly and share it easily.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on GIS Applications and Data Types specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It can be carried to any management information system without any collision. GIS uses either vector or raster methods of capturing information. Application of GIS Migration routes management – this application is used for tracing migration circuits of caribou and polar bears. This in turn assists the researchers in coming up with plans that are geared towards protection of the caribous and the polar bears (USGS). These animals are found in Arctic which poses difficulties for conducting ground surveys due to the geographical t errains, hence the use of GIS which is of two types is very helpful. GIS application to the project The hegira circuits were indicated using different hues for each month for a total of 21 months (USGS 2007). The researchers then used the GIS to superimpose the movement circuits upon maps of oil development plans. This was intended to decide the possibility for interference with the caribous and the polar bears as they migrated (USGS 2007). In addition, the researchers would be able to know the frequency of the migration activities. Software and datasets used Software: Collar transmitters and satellite receivers – these softwares are able to release signals from radios at between 132-174 MHz, and can be heard from about 10 + miles away under ideal conditions (USGS 2007).Advertising Looking for assessment on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Data sets: migration routes Results gained: researchers were able to locate th e movement of the caribou and polar bears from several miles away. Over and above, the researchers were able to determine the frequencies of the movement and the actual circuits followed and if at all, a distinct pattern that was at play during the migration. The application was useful in determining the exact position of the caribou and polar bears and what was happening at any given time. It was also significant when checking possible danger that caribou and the polar bears could posed to the oil plans Data in GIS Differences between vector and raster representations of map features Vector representation Raster representation It represents real world features within GIS environment. It is used in a GIS application for displaying a continuous area. Uses points X and Y to locate features on a particular site. The use of a square grid to locate features in a defined location Ground survey and GPS is used to pick vector images Optical scanners mainly used to gather raster dat a. Requires explicit storage of each vertex Data must be converted to a topological features Cannot be used to cover large areas. Hard to represent linear structures Only reflect one feature of a site Fail to adhere to high level cartographic needs. Easy to represent data in its original appearance No data conversion is required Allows exact location to be maintained Easy to analyze data Appropriate for mathematical modeling Compatible with raster based output devices Street or river networks Analysis of land cover References Buckey, D J, Bio Diversity Gis. n.d. Web. GeoVITe, 2010, Website of Geodata Visualization and Interactive Training Environment (GeoVITe). Web. Natural Earth. GIS Data, 2013. Web.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on GIS Applications and Data Types specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More USGS, Geographic Information Systems. Web. This assessment on GIS Applications and Data Types was written and submitted by user Chase Robbins to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.