DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a digital technology that integrates hardware and
software to analyze, store, and map spatial data. GIS allows users to visualize (i.e., map)
geographic aspects of data including locations or spatial concentrations of phenomena of interest.
Though public health and other social work related fields have embraced the use of GIS technology
in research, social work lags behind. Recent technological advancements in the field of GIS have
transformed what was once prohibitively expensive, ‘‘experts only’’ desktop software into a viable
method for researchers with little prior GIS knowledge. Further, humanist and participatory
geographers have developed critical, non-quantitative GIS approaches that bring to light new
opportunities relevant to social workers. These tools could have particular utility for qualitative
social workers because they can help us better understand the environmental context in which our
clients reside and give credence to their assessments of strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities
for intervention. This project provides an introductory overview of the history of GIS in social
work research and describes opportunities to use spatially informed approaches in qualitative
social work research
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION:

This chapter gives an overview about the aim, objectives, background and operation environment
of the system.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

There are several definitions of GIS in existence. However, none of such definitions is universally
accepted. It is difficult to agree on a single definition for GIS for the simple reason that various
kinds of GIS exist, each made for different purposes and for different types of decision making.
As we will see shortly in the range of definitions presented below, people offer definitions of GIS
with different emphasis on various aspects of GIS.

Man has always used geographical information. Geographical features and data gathering form
part of our everyday lives. Indeed, most of the decisions we make on a daily basis are influenced
by some aspects of geography. Hence, one would be right to say that, generally speaking,
geographical information system is as old as man himself. However, in this unit our focus is on
modern geographical information system. We will briefly look at the emergence and growth of
GIS as well as the underlying factors.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS

“As transportation, communication, and utility networks continue to grow in complexity and size,
the likelihood of two or more networks occupying a common right-of-way or intersecting each
other also continues to increase. Conflicts arise when one network or another decides to perform
construction or maintenance on their facilities.” (Ellis, 2003, p. 5). Mulaku phrases this issue in
other words by stating “there will be intense completion for the finite space that utility facilities
must occupy on road and other reserves and hence precise location will become even more
important” (Mulaku, 2004, p. 30). Each year departments of transpiration spend millions of dollars
to deal with problems that arise due to utility conflicts. As these conflicts arise, it is vital that the
owners of the various utilities be able to accurately locate their facilities in three-dimensional
space. Accurate location is the beginning of conflict detection, avoidance, and resolution.

Mulaku documents that over 80 percent of all utility operations are spatial in nature (Mulaku,
2004). This information was collaborated by Hemakumara in a paper entitled Geographic
Information Systems in Utilities and Utility Management. Hemakumara determined that 80 to 85
percent of a utility’s information needs is location or spatially based (Hemakumara, 2003).
Utilities, needs are dependent upon spatial information for their operations, engineering, and
management. The information must not only be available, it must be precise (Mulaku, 2004).

In 2003, Ellis completed a study for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
entitled Development of Improved Strategies for Avoiding Utility Related Delay During FDOT
Highway Construction Projects. Ellis determined that utility relocation delays were one of the top
five causes of construction delays on FDOT projects. These delays in turn caused project time
delays and additional project costs. Ellis further determined that one of the major factors
accounting for the delays was the fact that actual locations and types of utilities shown on the plans
did accurately portray actual field conditions (Ellis, 2003). Ellis accurately describes the
fundamental problem by stating “one of the fundamental problems is that there is usually no
accurate data on the exact location, or sometimes even the existence of these buried features (2003,
p. 7). Allred substantiated this view, in a paper entitled Underground Facilities: The Need for
Accurate Records in an Expanding Society. Allred documents that there is a need for accurate as-
built mapping of all underground facilities (Allred, 2004).

All types of utilities contribute to the complexity of locating underground utilities. Kelly and
Nawarynsky assert that “Excavation is one the most dangerous activities in the construction
industry (Kelly, Nawarynsky, 1996, p.1). Excavation is the single largest cause of gas and
hazardous liquid pipeline accidents in the United States. During the 1988 to 1993 time period, 33
percent of all gas pipeline incidents were cause by excavation damage by persons other than the
facilities owner or owner’s contractors. In addition, 35 deaths and 151 injuries were attributed to
theses incidents as well as $42.5 million in property damage (Kelly, Nawarynsky, 1996).
Given the extent of the problem, the construction industry can gain substantial benefit from the
accurate mapping of underground utilities. A Geographic Information System (GIS) is especially
well adapted to provide information on utility location (Hemakumara, 2003). This view is shared
by NETTWORK, 2002. They state that GIS provides the necessary computational, graphical, and
information handling technology needed to record all necessary information on all buried utilities
in a user friendly, accurate, three dimensional manner. While the accurate mapping of new
installations is well defined in the literature, this paper is intended to investigate methods and
procedures that can be used to capture the legacy utility location information in a modern GIS
format.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

 To introduce students to the concepts and the techniques of handling geographical data
through a particular form of information system – GIS;
 To introduce students to the skills and techniques to input, manage, analyse and display
spatial information; and
 To introduce students to the concepts and techniques for spatial data analysis and
modelling.

Geographical Information System (GIS) is an information system that is specially designed

handling spatial (or geographical) data. It combines a set of interrelated sub-systems that create,
edit, manipulate, analyse and display data both in text and graphic forms. GIS supports spatial
analysis and modelling for the discipline of geography (e.g. location, proximity, and spatial
distribution), so that it becomes a vital tool for modern geography. With the rapid progress of
computing and Internet technology, GIS technology allows easy and fast access to important
geographical information on the region, environment and society.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this study was to help and give a benefit to the student, business marketers,
geologists, methodologists, school management, companies, and other places that need this
system. The system would improve the monitoring capacities of those who maintain the system.
1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

1. Unavailability of academic materials.

2. Transport problem
3. Lack of financial support
4. Lack of Time
5. Unavailability of programming software such as Visual Basic.Net.

1.9 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This research work will concentrate on the implementation of the system to see how it works and
how it can be used.

1.8 ASSUMPTION OF THE STUDY

During the process of data collection, information relating to Geographical Information System
was developed by me and written project was obtained from the internet and the Library. Hence,
it is assumed that all the data collected are correct and contains no false information.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Attribute – A characteristic of a geographic feature, typically stored in tabular format and linked
to the feature in a relational database. The attributes of a well-represented point might include an
identification number, address, and type.

Base Layer – A primary layer for spatial reference, upon which other layers are built. Examples
of a base layer typically used are either the parcels, or street centerlines.

Buffer – A zone of a specified distance around a feature.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) – An automated system for the design, drafting and display of
graphically oriented information.
Coordinate – An x,y location in a Cartesian coordinate system or an x,y,z coordinate in a three
dimensional system. Coordinates represent locations on the Earth’s surface relative to other
locations.

Database – A logical collection of interrelated information, managed and stored as a unit. A GIS
database includes data about the spatial location and shape of geographic features recorded as
points, lines, and polygons as well as their attributes.

Digital Elevation Model (DEM) – Terrain elevation data provided in digital form.

Digitize – To encode map features as x,y coordinates in digital form. Lines are traced to define
their shapes. This can be accomplished either manually or by use of a scanner.

Geocode – The process of identifying a location by one or more attributes from a base layer.

Geographic Information System (GIS) – An organized collection of computer hardware,

software, geographic data, and personnel designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate,
analyze, and display all forms of geographically referenced information.

Global Positioning System (GPS) – A satellite based device that records x,y,z coordinates and
other data. Ground locations are calculated by signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. GPS
devices can be taken into the field to record data while walking, driving, or flying.

Layer – A logical set of thematic data described and stored in a map library. Layers act as digital
transparencies that can be laid atop one another for viewing or spatial analysis.

Line – Lines represent geographic features too narrow to be displayed as an area at a given scale,
such as contours, street centerlines, or streams.

Metadata – Information about a data set. It may include the source of the data; its creation date
and format; its projection, scale, resolution, and accuracy; and its reliability with regard to some
standard.
Ortho Imagery – Aerial photographs that have been rectified to produce an accurate image of the
Earth by removing tilt and relief displacements, which occurred when the photo was taken.

Point – A single x,y coordinate that represents a geographic feature too small to be displayed as a
line or area at that scale.

Polygon – A multisided figure that represents area on a map. Polygons have attributes that describe
the geographic feature they represent.

Scale – The ratio or relationship between a distance or area on a map and the corresponding
distance or area on the ground.

Spatial Analysis – The process of modeling, examining, and interpreting model results. Spatial
analysis is useful for evaluating suitability and capability, for estimating and predicting, and for
interpreting and understanding.

Structured Query Language (SQL) – A syntax for defining and manipulating data from a
relational database. Developed by IBM in the 1970s, it has become an industry standard for query
languages in most relational database management systems.

Theme – An ArcView theme stores map features as primary features (such as arcs, nodes,
polygons, and points) and secondary features such as tics, map extent, links, and annotation. A
theme usually represents a single geographic layer, such as soils, roads, or land use.

Attribute – A characteristic of a geographic feature, typically stored in tabular format and linked
to the feature in a relational database. The attributes of a well-represented point might include an
identification number, address, and type.

Base Layer – A primary layer for spatial reference, upon which other layers are built. Examples
of a base layer typically used are either the parcels, or street centerlines.

Buffer – A zone of a specified distance around a feature.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) – An automated system for the design, drafting and display of
graphically oriented information.

Coordinate – An x,y location in a Cartesian coordinate system or an x,y,z coordinate in a three

dimensional system. Coordinates represent locations on the Earth’s surface relative to other
locations.

Database – A logical collection of interrelated information, managed and stored as a unit. A GIS
database includes data about the spatial location and shape of geographic features recorded as
points, lines, and polygons as well as their attributes.

Digital Elevation Model (DEM) – Terrain elevation data provided in digital form.

Digitize – To encode map features as x,y coordinates in digital form. Lines are traced to define
their shapes. This can be accomplished either manually or by use of a scanner.

Geocode – The process of identifying a location by one or more attributes from a base layer.

Geographic Information System (GIS) – An organized collection of computer hardware,

software, geographic data, and personnel designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate,
analyze, and display all forms of geographically referenced information.

Global Positioning System (GPS) – A satellite based device that records x,y,z coordinates and
other data. Ground locations are calculated by signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. GPS
devices can be taken into the field to record data while walking, driving, or flying.

Layer – A logical set of thematic data described and stored in a map library. Layers act as digital
transparencies that can be laid atop one another for viewing or spatial analysis.

Line – Lines represent geographic features too narrow to be displayed as an area at a given scale,
such as contours, street centerlines, or streams.
Metadata – Information about a data set. It may include the source of the data; its creation date
and format; its projection, scale, resolution, and accuracy; and its reliability with regard to some
standard.

Ortho Imagery – Aerial photographs that have been rectified to produce an accurate image of the
Earth by removing tilt and relief displacements, which occurred when the photo was taken.

Point – A single x,y coordinate that represents a geographic feature too small to be displayed as a
line or area at that scale.

Polygon – A multisided figure that represents area on a map. Polygons have attributes that describe
the geographic feature they represent.

Scale – The ratio or relationship between a distance or area on a map and the corresponding
distance or area on the ground.

Spatial Analysis – The process of modeling, examining, and interpreting model results. Spatial
analysis is useful for evaluating suitability and capability, for estimating and predicting, and for
interpreting and understanding.

Structured Query Language (SQL) – A syntax for defining and manipulating data from a
relational database. Developed by IBM in the 1970s, it has become an industry standard for query
languages in most relational database management systems.

Theme – An ArcView theme stores map features as primary features (such as arcs, nodes,
polygons, and points) and secondary features such as tics, map extent, links, and annotation. A
theme usually represents a single geographic layer, such as soils, roads, or land use.
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and
displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface. By relating seemingly unrelated data, GIS
can help individuals and organizations better understand spatial patterns and relationships. GIS
technology is a crucial part of spatial data infrastructure, which the White House defines as “the
technology, policies, standards, human resources, and related activities necessary to acquire,
process, distribute, use, maintain, and preserve spatial data.” GIS can use any information that
includes location. The location can be expressed in many different ways, such as latitude and
longitude, address, or ZIP code. Many different types of information can be compared and
contrasted using GIS. The system can include data about people, such as population, income, or
education level. It can include information about the landscape, such as the location of streams,
different kinds of vegetation, and different kinds of soil. It can include information about the sites
of factories, farms, and schools; or storm drains, roads, and electric power lines.

With GIS technology, people can compare the locations of different things in order to discover
how they relate to each other. For example, using GIS, a single map could include sites that
produce pollution, such as factories, and sites that are sensitive to pollution, such as wetlands and
rivers. Such a map would help people determine where water supplies are most at risk.

Data Capture

Data Formats
GIS applications include both hardware and software systems. These applications may include
cartographic data, photographic data, digital data, or data in spreadsheets. Cartographic data are
already in map form, and may include such information as the location of rivers, roads, hills, and
valleys. Cartographic data may also include survey data, mapping information which can be
directly entered into a GIS. Photographic interpretation is a major part of GIS. Photo interpretation
involves analyzing aerial photographs and assessing the features that appear.
Digital data can also be entered into GIS. An example of this kind of information is computer data
collected by satellites that show land use—the location of farms, towns, and forests.Remote
sensing provides another tool that can be integrated into a GIS. Remote sensing includes imagery
and other data collected from satellites, balloons, and drones.

Finally, GIS can also include data in table or spreadsheet form, such as population demographics.
Demographics can range from age, income, and ethnicity to recent purchases and Internet
browsing preferences. GIS technology allows all these different types of information, no matter
their source or original format, to be overlaid on top of one another on a single map. GIS uses
location as the key index variable to relate these seemingly unrelated data. Putting information into
GIS is called data capture. Data that are already in digital form, such as most tables and images
taken by satellites, can simply be uploaded into GIS. Maps, however, must first be scanned, or
converted to digital format. The two major types of GIS file formats are raster and vector. Raster
formats are grids of cells or pixels. Raster formats are useful for storing GIS data that vary, such
as elevation or satellite imagery. Vector formats are polygons that use points (called nodes) and
lines. Vector formats are useful for storing GIS data with firm borders, such as school districts or
streets.

Spatial Relationships
GIS technology can be used to display spatial relationships and linear networks. Spatial
relationships may display topography, such as agricultural fields and streams. They may also
display land-use patterns, such as the location of parks and housing complexes. Linear networks,
sometimes called geometric networks, are often represented by roads, rivers, and public utility
grids in a GIS. A line on a map may indicate a road or highway. With GIS layers, however, that
road may indicate the boundary of a school district, public park, or other demographic or land-use
area. Using diverse data capture, the linear network of a river may be mapped on a GIS to indicate
the stream flow of different tributaries. GIS must make the information from all the various maps
and sources align, so they fit together on the same scale. A scale is the relationship between the
distance on a map and the actual distance on Earth.
Often, GIS must manipulate data because different maps have different projections. A projection
is the method of transferring information from Earth’s curved surface to a flat piece of paper or
computer screen. Different types of projections accomplish this task in different ways, but all result
in some distortion. To transfer a curved, three-dimensional shape onto a flat surface inevitably
requires stretching some parts and squeezing others. A world map can show either the correct sizes
of countries or their correct shapes, but it can’t do both. GIS takes data from maps that were made
using different projections and combines them so all the information can be displayed using one
common projection.

GIS Maps

Once all of the desired data have been entered into a GIS system, they can be combined to produce
a wide variety of individual maps, depending on which data layers are included. One of the most
common uses of GIS technology involves comparing natural features with human activity.

For instance, GIS maps can display what manmade features are near certain natural features, such
as which homes and businesses are in areas prone to flooding. GIS technology also allows to “dig
deep” in a specific area with many kinds of information. Maps of a single city or neighborhood
can relate such information as average income, book sales, or voting patterns. Any GIS data layer
can be added or subtracted to the same map.

GIS maps can be used to show information about numbers and density. For example, GIS can
show how many doctors there are in a neighborhood compared with the area’s population. With
GIS technology, researchers can also look at change over time. They can use satellite data to study
topics such as the advance and retreat of ice cover in polar regions, and how that coverage has
changed through time. A police precinct might study changes in crime data to help determine
where to assign officers.

One important use of time-based GIS technology involves creating time-lapse photography that
shows processes occurring over large areas and long periods of time. For example, data showing
the movement of fluid in ocean or air currents help scientists better understand how moisture and
heat energy move around the globe. GIS technology sometimes allows users to access further
information about specific areas on a map. A person can point to a spot on a digital map to find
other information stored in the GIS about that location. For example, a user might click on a school
to find how many students are enrolled, how many students there are per teacher, or what sports
facilities the school has.

GIS systems are often used to produce three-dimensional images. This is useful, for example, to
geologists studying earthquake faults. GIS technology makes updating maps much easier than
updating maps created manually. Updated data can simply be added to the existing GIS program.
A new map can then be printed or displayed on screen. This skips the traditional process of drawing
a map, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

GIS BENEFITS

People working in many different fields use GIS technology.

 GIS technology can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, and
development planning.
 Many retail businesses use GIS to help them determine where to locate a new store.
 Marketing companies use GIS to decide to whom to market those stores and restaurants,
and where that marketing should be.
 Scientists use GIS to compare population statistics to resources such as drinking water.
 Biologists use GIS to track animal migration patterns. City, state, or federal officials use
GIS to help plan their response in the case of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or
hurricane.
 GIS maps can show these officials what neighborhoods are most in danger, where to locate
emergency shelters, and what routes people should take to reach safety.
 Engineers use GIS technology to support the design, implementation, and management of
communication networks for the phones we use, as well as the infrastructure necessary for
Internet connectivity.
 Other engineers may use GIS to develop road networks and transportation infrastructure.
There is no limit to the kind of information that can be analyzed using GIS technology.
GIS allows multiple layers of information to be displayed on a single map.
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

Massive increases in the availability of informative social science data are making dramatic
progress possible in analyzing, understanding, and addressing many major societal problems. Yet
the same forces pose severe challenges to the scientific infrastructure supporting data sharing, data
management, informatics, statistical methodology, and research ethics and policy, and these are
collectively holding back progress.

Research methods are classified as qualitative as well as quantitative. Both the methods provide a
broader knowledge about the area. The GIS techniques will help for the mapping and framing the
policies of most vulnerable sites in the world. GIS techniques are also very helpful for the
identification of the problems and management of the problems in any area.

DATA COLLECTION

Aerial imagery has been one of the standard data sources for geographic information systems (GIS)
for more than three decades. Most spatial features in GIS (such as manmade objects) can be
extracted automatically from images. Road data in GIS are of major importance for applications
such as traffic control, transportation flow analysis, vehicle navigation, travel guidance, and fire
or medical emergency services. Building data in GIS are also important for security purpose.
Therefore, acquisition of accurate and up-to-date road network information building extraction
from aerial imagery is necessary. Automatic road extraction from digital imagery has been a major
research focus in the Photo grammetric and computer vision fields for more than two decades.
Open Arial images particularly of cities, fields typically contain geometric figures depicting,
buildings, roads, field boundaries, and car parks. Now to recognize those real objects from such
images it needs a mechanism which will recognizes geometrics figures of such objects from the
imagery. This information is very valuable particularly in measurements, population densities, etc
type of statistical data.
India is vulnerable to natural and manmade disasters. All disasters are spatial in nature. GIS
techniques act as a decision support tool. Decision making can possible by analysis of different
GIS layers. Currently socio-economic and geo-spatial data is useful for management and planning
of disasters as well as tackling of disastrous condition. Various departments and agencies who are
stakeholders using GIS in the disaster management process. GIS, RS & GPS is useful in disaster
management applications & for decision making. Evolution of computer technology and
availability of hardware is helpful for rapid expansion of GIS in both disaster research and practice.

GIS is useful for hazard zone mapping and during emergency conditions mitigation of people can
easily possible using this maps. GIS and RS much beneficial in mitigation strategies and
preparedness plans. Real time geographic data can improve the allocation of resources for
response. GIS technologies is much useful in modeling of disaster risks and human adaptations to
hazards. It is also provides decision support system in disaster management.

THE NEW SYSTEM.

GIS database include following information which is beneficial in disaster management.

1. Use of different satellite imageries (Remote Sensing data) ex. Quick bird, SPOT, IKONOS for
GIS data creation.
2. Preparation of base map of different themes using satellite imageries.
3. Thematic maps such as hydro geomorphologic map, slope map, terrain map, and DEM
generation in GIS. It is used for disaster planning.
4. Macro and micro level maps used for identifying vulnerability and threat condition
5. Identification of safe locations and zones for rehabilitation
6. Road and location maps used for finding alternate routes, shelters and locations
7. Planning of evacuation and operation
8. Management of Rehabilitation and post-disaster reconstruction.
9. Suitable locations identifying scientifically for construction of houses and shelters
10. No construction areas identified and rehabilitation of existing people can be done.
11. Hospitals and medical facilities identification for injured people.

Conclusion

Research is a broad based and provides for a well meaningful investigation into any field of
academics.

Research is a structured enquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to solve problems
and create new knowledge that is generally applicable. Scientific methods consist of systematic
observation, classification and interpretation of data. Although we engage in such process in our
daily life, the difference between our casual day- to-day generalization and the conclusions usually
recognized as scientific method lies in the degree of formality, rigorousness, verifiability and
general validity of latter. Research is a process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting
information to answer questions. But to qualify as research, the process must have certain
characteristics: it must, as faros possible, be controlled, rigorous, systematic, valid and verifiable,
empirical and critical .Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research
problems. It may be understood as a science of studying how research is done scientifically. In it
we study the various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying in his research
problem along with the logic behind them, weather mode the median or the standard deviation or
Chi-square, how to apply particular research techniques in the research problems .The basis of
geospatial decision support is the GIS technology. The basic decision aid of GIS includes data
management to extend human computing performance. Beyond these common GIS decision aids,
special features includes modeling, optimization and simulation functions required to generate,
evaluate and test the sensitivity of computed solutions. Other functions, such as statistical, spatial
interaction, and location model, can be found in special GIS software packages. GIS methods can
be put to use quite effective in several perspective about urban regional decision support situations.
Five techniques are part of the conventional regulatory approach to decision support system

(1) Community Plans

(2) Subdivision regulations and plans

(3) Capital improvement programs
(4) Zoning ordinance
(5) Public participation.
References

Navalgund, R. R., Jayaraman, V., Roy, P.S. (2007), “Remote sensing applications: An overview”,
J. Curr. Sci., Vol. 93, No.12, pp. 1747-1766
Patkar, V.N. (2003), “Directions for GIS in Urban Planning”, Map AsiaConferences, Urban
Planning.
Timothy L. NyergesPitotr Jankowski “Regional and Urban GIS: A decision support system, 2010
theGuilford press
Creswell, J. W. (1994) Research Design: quantitative and qualitative approaches
Eyles, J. and Smith D. (1988) Qualitative methods in human geography.
John Best (1977-780): Research in education, prentice Hall –New Delhi.