Introduction to GIS/GPS

Mr. CanadaWorld Geography

Burris Laboratory School

KEY WORDS GIS GIS Data Spatial Data

Accuracy vs. Precision

Scale Projection

GPS ArcGIS Online Table of Contents Layer(s) Feature(s)

What is GIS?Geographic Information System

GIS Explained In short: “computerized mapping

software” GIS is a set of software and tools used to

capture, store, manipulate, analyze, and display spatial data.

In this class, we will explore capturing and displaying spatial data

Demographics

Environmental / Natural Disasters

Politics

Understanding GIS Data GIS represents the real world using

three types of geometry : Points Lines Polygons / Areas

OR cells Raster - graphic images

Brainstorm!What are some other examples of points, lines, and polygons?

What is Spatial Data?Data that has reference to a location on Earth

Spatial Data Components Projection: the method by which the curved

3-D surface of the earth is represented by X,Y coordinates on a 2-D flat map/screen Distortion is inevitable!

Scale: the ratio of distance on a map to the equivalent distance on the ground

Accuracy: how well data matches the real world

Precision: reproducibility of data

High accuracy, low precision

Low accuracy, high precision

Why GIS is Important GIS adds “space” to research dimensions Geographical significance & patterns

Does location make any difference? i.e. Real estate – location, location, location..

Are there any patterns? i.e. Migration patterns? How did the disease spread?

Geographical relationships Are A and B in this location related? i.e. Crime rate and average housing value

Prediction & Information management How many people will be affected by flooding?

GPS ExerciseFriday April 11th and Monday April 14th

What is GPS?Global Positioning System

GPS Receivers Handheld devices using satellite signals

to calculate location Latitude: distance North / South of the

Equator 90 degrees = Poles 0 degree = Equator

Longitude: distance East / West of the Prime Meridian 0 degree = Prime Meridian (Greenwich, UK) 180 degrees = International Date Line

How to Read Lat / Long Degrees, Minutes, Seconds

0 – 90 degrees North / South 0 – 180 degrees East / West 60 Minutes in a degree 60 Seconds in a minute

43°52'49'' N, 103°27'33'' W

Activity Description Identify locations on Ball State campus

using Garmin GPS receivers, given only latitude and longitude points Coordinate points are predetermined! All locations will be south of Riverside Ave

Using Your Garmin “Hot” and “Cold” Watch your latitude and longitude points

shift until you have reached your location

Directions1. Turn on your receiver by holding down the

power button on the right-hand side (you will hear a beep)

2. Use the Page button to navigate to the screen with “Speed” “Elevation” and “Location”

“Location” is what you will be using

*The main menu has other features! Navigate using the joystick!

Reminders We will be going outside THIS FRIDAY

and NEXT MONDAY Dress accordingly for the weather

Jacket if it’s cold Closed toe shoes

Dates are subject to change Sign up for receivers!

Mapping ExerciseThursday April 17th andFriday April 18th

ArcGIS Online Web-based mapping program used

to create maps, explore data, and share maps online

Contents of a Map Table of Contents: Area that organizes map

data Layer: visual representation of a geographic

dataset in any digital map environment Feature: A representation of a real-world

object on a map “Place” on the map

Attribute Table: A database or tabular file containing information about a set of geographic features

Activity Description Create a walking tour map of Ball State

University in ArcGIS Online using the following criteria: Tour must begin and end at the Administration

Building Major roadways may not be used, sidewalks only! Tour must be between 3 and 8 kilometers in length

(hint: use the measure tool) Tour must include 3 of the featured point locations

from our field day Map must be emailed to instructors to upload to

class website

Accessing ArcGIS Online BSU GIS log-on Access to all BSU GIS maps and data

Starting Your Map

Using Tools Show table

Under prospective layer Measure

Area, length, location Change symbols

Under prospective layer

Saving Your Work Take a screenshot (Print Screen button) Open photo in Microsoft Paint Crop photo Save as Jpeg Attach and email Jpeg to:

burrisgeography@gmail.com