Geographic Data Acquisition
Acquiring geographic data is an important factor in any geographic information system (GIS)
effort. It has been estimated that data acquisition typically consumes 60 to 80 percent of the
time and money spent on any given project.
Raster data creation
Raster data creation through Scanning: It is a faster method of raster data creation than other
methods. An electronic detector moves across the whole map or image. Following two type of
scanners are generally used.
a) Flatbed scanner: In this scanning system a flat scanning stage is used where map placed
on this stage and in both the x and y direction, the detectors move on the stage like copy
machine.
b) Drum scanner: Map is placed on a rotating cylindrical drum and detector moves
horizontally over whole map. Movement in x direction is provided by sensor motion and
movement in y direction is provided by drum rotation.
Raster data creation through image Processing: Raster data is also created from digital
image processing. Generally supervised classification is used for this exercise. In this process
digital number of sampling pixel is selected as training sight for each type of features like
vegetation, built-up, open land, water bodies etc. In digital image processing software like
ERDAS or ENVI image is classified in given number of classes based on the sample pixels or
training sites using the classification algorithm. This process produces raster dataset.
Vector data creation
Manual digitization: To convert paper-based sources of spatial data in digital form
traditionally manual digitization technique is used. A digitizing table is used where paper map
is attached through tape to a digitizing table. Known coordinates usually between 4-6 initial
points are logged. These points are mostly intersections points of graticule lines. Identifiable
locations such as street intersections or landmarks are used as points in case of absence of an
overlying grid system. Mouse-like hand held device called puck is used for tracing to digitize
the feature.
Heads up digitizing: Head up digitizing is very popular method for digital conversion of data,
because of its cost-effective nature and large format scanner. Heads-up digitizing, also known
as on-screen digitizing, is a method of creating digital maps by tracing features from a scanned
image directly on a computer screen. It's a manual process where an operator uses a mouse or
stylus to trace features, like roads or buildings, on a digital image displayed on the computer
screen. This process allows for the conversion of traditional paper maps or aerial photos into
digital vector data, which can be used in GIS applications.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS): GPS receivers, often integrated with handheld computers
or smartphones, capture the (x, y) coordinates of discrete locations, allowing for the creation
of vector representations of real-world entities like roads, rivers, or buildings. This data can
then be used in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to analyse and visualize spatial
relationships.
Automated surveying: Electronic data capturing instruments like theodolites, electronic
distance measurement (EDM) systems, and total stations to capture spatial and attribute data
are used in automated surveying. Distance and direction data from their instruments are directly
downloaded by surveyors into many vector-based GIS programs. Pre-processing of data is
compulsory before it can be used to make a map.
Geospatial Database Management
A database is a structured collection of data files. A database management system (DBMS) is
a software package that allows for the creation, storage, maintenance, manipulation, and
retrieval of large datasets that are distributed over one or more files. A DBMS and its associated
functions are usually accessed through commercial software packages such as Microsoft
Access, Oracle, etc. Database management normally refers to the management of tabular data
in row and column format and is frequently used for personal, business, government, and
scientific endeavours.
Several types of database models exist, such as the flat, hierarchical, network, and relational
models. A flat database is essentially a spreadsheet whereby all data are stored in a single,
large table. A hierarchical database is also a fairly simple model that organizes data into a
“one-to-many” association across levels. Network databases are like hierarchical databases,
however, because they also support “many-to-many” relationships.