INTRODUCTION TO GEOINFORMATICS
Contents What is Geo-informatics?
Its fundamental aims
Main tasks of it
Branches of Geo-informatics
What is Geoinformatics / Geomatics Technology Geoinformatics is the science and the technology which develops and uses
information science infrastructure to address the problems of geosciences andrelated branches of engineering
It encompasses a collection of special techniques, technologies, and tools forthe acquisition, processing, management, analysis, and presentation ofgeospatial data
Geoinformatics is based on a range of synergetic activities including geospatialmodeling, geospatial analysis, geospatial databases, geospatial technologies,information systems, systems design, spatial cognition, human-computerinteraction, mobile computing, wired and wireless network technologies
Fundamental Aims of Geoinformatics Make maps
Basic school atlases Study urban sprawl Archaeological data
- Study patterns of cultural and economic exchanges Enable navigation
- Car based navigation systems, military navigation Enable the humans to make decisions
- Buying your house, best picnic spot etc.Enable urban management and development HA
- Design of roads, bridges, communication and power networks- Waste disposal - Disaster Management
Data understanding and analysis SU Data visualization systems and algorithms
Main Tasks of GeoinformaticsThe main tasks are:
Extract information and generate the data base relating to these parameters
To forecast situations arising out of change in parameters
To reach to centralized strategy and management plan at regional level
Development & management of databases of geodata
Analysis & management of geodata
Branches of GeoinformaticsFollowing are the branches of it:
Photogrammetry
Surveying
Cartography
Remote Sensing
Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Photogrammetry Photos lightGramma to drawMetron to measure
Photogrammetry is defined as the science of obtaining reliable measurements,by the use of photographs, in order to determine characteristics such as size,shape and position of photographed objects
The art, science and technology of obtaining reliable spatial information aboutphysical objects and the environment through the processes of recording,measuring and interpreting image data
Types of PhotogrammetryAerial photography is the taking of photographs of the ground from an elevated position. The term usually refers to images in which the camera is not supported by a ground-based structure
Close-range Photogrammetry the camera is close to the subject and is typically hand held or on a tripod
Terrestrial using photographs taken on the ground with the camera usually pointing in a horizontal direction
Industrial & Scientific an adaptation of terrestrial techniques to small distances, the camera set at any suitable angle
Surveying Oldest branch of geoinformatics
Pioneered by Egyptians
EquipmentOld (Tapes, Chains, Sextants, Tacheometer)New (Theodolite, Auto Levels, Total Stations)
Old New
Photogrammetric SurveyingMainly of two types:
1. Aerial
2. Terrestrial
Aerial: With the use of a camera positioned in an airplane
Terrestrial (on ground): Reconnaissance, triangulation and camera work
Cartography The science and art of making maps
It is the design and production of maps, or visual representations of spatial data
The vast majority of modern cartography is done with the help of computers, usually using GIS but production of quality cartography is also achieved by importing layers into a design program to refine it. Most GIS software gives the user substantial control over the appearance of the data
Cartographic work serves two major functions:
First, it produces graphics on the screen or on paper that convey the results of analysis to the people who make decisions about resources. Wall maps and other graphics can be generated, allowing the viewer to visualize and thereby understand the results of analyses or simulations of potential events
Second, other database information can be generated for further analysis or use. An example would be a list of all addresses within one mile (1.6 km) of a toxic spill
Remote Sensing Remote sensing is a method of obtaining information about the properties of
an object without coming into physical contact with it
Most popular remote sensing device: eyes
Satellite remote sensing
Aerial remote sensing
Laser remote sensing
Global Positioning System (GPS)The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based Navigation system
developed and operated by the US Department of Defense
GPS is the shortened form of NAVSTAR GPS. This is an acronym for NAVigationSystem with Time And Ranging Global Positioning System
GPS uses constellation of 24 satellites to determine the accurate three-dimensional position of the user on the earth
Segments of GPS
Space SegmentGPS Satellite constellation composed of 24operational satellites in spaceControl SegmentThe control segment comprises of 5 ground stationslocated on equator. This information is sent back tothe satellites using ground antennasUser SegmentThe User Segment consists of all earth-based GPSreceivers. The user segment is totally usercommunity, both civilian and military
Geographic Information System (GIS) A system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analyzing anddisplaying data which are spatially referenced to the Earth. This is normally considered toinvolve a spatially referenced computer database and appropriate applications software
Thus GIS is a set of tools for
Collecting
Storing
Manipulating
Retrieving
Transforming and
Display of Spatial Data from the Real World
ConclusionGeonformatics has at its core the technologies supporting the processes of
acquiring, analyzing and visualizing spatial data
It combines geospatial analysis and modeling, development of geospatialdatabases, information systems design, human-computer interaction and bothwired and wireless networking technologies
Geoinformatics uses Geocomputation and Geovisualization for analyzingGeoinformation