Introduction to GIS Manual

GIS means Geographic Information System, this system consists of a set of tools that are used for collecting, storing, retrieving, transforming, and displaying spatial data from the real world for a particular set of purposes.

This System has been used to solve problems in our environment which is what makes GIS one of the fastest-growing professions in Nigeria. The search for this knowledge has created the need for professionals in the field to educate people on how GIS can be applied in their various areas ( Banking, Town Planning, Environmental Management, security, agriculture e.t.c)

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems is a Manual Created by GIS experts in Geoinfotech Resources Limited. This Manual was created to make learning GIS a seamless process for every individual.

Body of the manual:

Section A

Introduction: This section talks about the different definitions of GIS according to Philosophers.

1. Components of GIS: This section talks about the various components of GIS, all you need to have for you to carry out a GIS operation from start to finish (Hardware, Software, Data, People, Procedures)

2. GIS Functions: To properly execute a GIS project, there’s a need to understand the GIS functions, this section gives a detailed explanation of all the functions necessary to be carried out to execute a GIS project from start to finish. From capturing data, storing data, querying data, analyzing data, storing data, organizing the data, and displaying the data.)

This section also talks briefly about the two types of data, vector and raster data.

3. Map Scale: Scale is an important but often misunderstood concept in mapping, there’s a need to have an understanding of the types of scale and when to use a small scale and a large scale. This section also explains how to interpret maps in different scales .

4. Components of Geographic data: Data is a very essential component of a GIS operation, therefore there’s a need to understand the component of the data, all of which is explained in this section.

Section B

As explained earlier, GIS is a system for collecting, storing, retrieving, transforming, and displaying spatial data from the real world for a particular set of purposes.

Therefore, to execute any GIS Project there’s a need to have software that can do all that is listed above, ArcGIS is a software that can do all of this and also helps you keep your data secure. This Section of the manual explains in detail:

• How to Install the ArcGIS Software
• Introduction to the Software:
• ArcGIS Layout
• ArcGIS Catalog,
• Creating New Geodatabase
• Adding Data & Symbology to ArcMap
• Census Mapping
• Adding On-line Base-maps
• ArcGIS Glossary
• Preparing ArcMap

The Introduction gives a detailed explanation of all that’s needed to be known and set up before work can start on the Arcmap. (file format, activating toolbars, adding data, saving format. e.t.c).

To complete and properly execute a project there is some basic procedure to be followed, Introduction to Geographic Information System Manual, explains all in a step-by-step procedure, which can be easily understood.

The procedures Include:

• Adding Imagery
• Adding Coordinate System ( Geographic & Projected)
• Geo-referencing (Geocoding, Geotagging, Georeferencing)
• Creating Shapefile (Geodatabase & Shapefile)
• Digitizing ( Editing (Point, line, Polygon), Saving Edits, Snapping )
• Creation and Editing of Attribute table for the Shapefile
• Cartographic Mapping And Visualisation

Before going into the operation of this section, there’s a brief explanation of the following:

a) Menus, tools, and toolbar of the Arcmap

b) Data View & Layout View

c) Table of Content

d) ArcToolbox

All of which would be used in cartography mapping and visualization.

Cartography Mapping involves the basic procedures in creating the final map, which is depending on the purpose of the map to be produced.

Cartography Mapping and Visualisation explain all the necessary things to be done towards making a quality map (Inserting the legend, North Arrow, etc.).

Section C

There are some projects that need the use of some extra tools asides from the ones discussed in the previous to be carried out, these other tools include:

• Data Conversion Tool: This is the process of moving data from one format into another, whether it is from one data model to another or from one data format to another. (kml to layer, GPX to feature e.t.c)
• Spatial Analyst Tool: This provides a rich set of spatial, analysis, and modeling tools for both raster and vector data. A few tool-set are explained under this tool.
• SQL Geodatabase Management
• Database: A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system.
• Programming in Python: Python helps to reduce redundant behavior during analyses, for example when working on multiple view-shed analyses, python helps reduce the spent on these analyses by integrating simple loops and simple rules which makes the analyses process faster.
• Satellite Image Classification.

Introduction to GIS is a manual structured to aid your growth in GIS, get one now to kick-start your journey to becoming a GIS expert.