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Data Models and Data Structures in GIS-1. Introduc...

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) utilize data models and structures to represent and manipulate geographic information, with vector and raster models being the primary types. Vector data uses geometric shapes for precise representation of features, while raster data employs a grid of cells for continuous data representation. Geodatabases enhance GIS by integrating spatial and attribute data, and metadata provides critical information about datasets to ensure transparency and usability.

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2 views

Data Models and Data Structures in GIS-1. Introduc...

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) utilize data models and structures to represent and manipulate geographic information, with vector and raster models being the primary types. Vector data uses geometric shapes for precise representation of features, while raster data employs a grid of cells for continuous data representation. Geodatabases enhance GIS by integrating spatial and attribute data, and metadata provides critical information about datasets to ensure transparency and usability.

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constructionnation1
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) rely on fundamental concepts of data models and data

structures to effectively represent, store, and manipulate geographic information. A data


model defines the logical framework of the data, outlining data types and their relationships,
while a data structure is the actual implementation, detailing how data is stored and accessed.
Together, these concepts enable GIS to manage complex real-world geographical phenomena
for mapping, analysis, and decision-making.

GIS Data Models


The GIS data model digitally represents real-world features, which can be physical (like rivers)
or abstract (like administrative boundaries). There are two primary types: the vector data
model and the raster data model, each with unique strengths suited to specific types of
analysis.

Vector Data Structure


The vector data model uses geometric shapes—points, lines, and polygons—to represent
geographic features. Points represent single locations (X, Y coordinates), such as the location
of wells, schools, or streetlights. Lines (or polylines) are sequences of connected points used to
represent linear features like roads, rivers, or pipelines. Polygons are closed loops formed by
connecting lines, representing areas with defined boundaries such as lakes, park boundaries, or
city limits.
Topology is crucial in vector data, maintaining relationships like connectivity (how features are
connected), adjacency (what is next to what), and containment (what is inside what). This is
particularly important for network analysis, such as traffic flow or water supply systems.
Advantages of the vector model include precise representation of boundaries, efficient
storage for discrete features, and support for topology-based analysis. However, its
disadvantages are a more complex structure and less efficiency for representing continuous
data like elevation or temperature.

Raster Data Structure


The raster model represents space as a grid of square cells or pixels, with each cell holding a
value representing information like elevation, land use, temperature, or rainfall intensity. Raster
resolution is defined by cell size (e.g., 10x10 meters); smaller cells mean higher resolution and
more detail, but also larger file sizes.
Examples of raster data include satellite imagery, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and soil
moisture data. The advantages of the raster model are its simple structure, ideal for
continuous data, and compatibility with image processing techniques. Its disadvantages
include large file sizes, less accurate boundaries, and the requirement for resampling when
combining layers of different resolutions.

Attribute Data
Attribute data is non-spatial information describing the properties of spatial features. It's often
stored in tables and linked to spatial data via a unique identifier. For example, a layer of cities
might have an attribute table with columns for City_ID, Name, Population, and State, where
each row corresponds to a city and each column provides a descriptive attribute.
Types of attribute data include: Nominal (names, categories like "forest" or "desert"), Ordinal
(rankings like "low," "medium," or "high"), and Interval/Ratio (quantitative values like rainfall or
population). Attribute data enhances GIS by enabling queries, analysis, and symbolization
based on feature characteristics.

Geodatabase
A geodatabase is an advanced data storage format that unifies spatial and attribute data,
supporting relationships, rules, and various data types. File Geodatabases are stored as a
folder (.gdb), supporting large data volumes and faster performance. Personal Geodatabases
use the Microsoft Access format (.mdb) and are limited to smaller datasets. Enterprise
Geodatabases leverage high-end RDBMS systems (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server) for multi-user
editing, versioning, and large-scale data management.
Benefits of geodatabases include better data integrity, support for advanced analysis (e.g.,
topology, domains), centralized data management, and facilitated data sharing and
collaboration.

Metadata
Metadata is "data about data," providing essential information about a dataset's origin, purpose,
accuracy, and limitations. Common metadata elements include the title and description,
creation date, data source, coordinate system and projection, data accuracy and scale, and the
responsible organization or author.
The importance of metadata lies in promoting data discovery and reuse, ensuring
transparency and trustworthiness, assisting in proper application and interpretation, and fulfilling
requirements for data documentation and sharing. Key standards for metadata include FGDC
(Federal Geographic Data Committee) and ISO 19115.

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