Unraveling the Power and Potential of Geographic Information System (GIS)

In our increasingly interconnected and data-driven world, information is a valuable currency. But information is most potent when it is not only comprehensive but also spatially organized and analyzed. This is where Geographic Information Systems (GIS) come into play. GIS is a technological marvel that facilitates the capture, storage, manipulation, analysis, and visualization of geospatial data. In this article, we will explore the profound meaning of GIS, its historical development, the core principles that govern its functioning, its applications across various industries, and the potential it holds for shaping our future.

Understanding GIS: A Definition

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a framework that allows the collection, management, and analysis of geospatial data, merging it with non-spatial data for a comprehensive understanding of various phenomena. At its essence, GIS leverages the power of location to provide a visual context for the interpretation of data, facilitating better decision-making and problem-solving. The primary components of GIS include hardware, software, data, and skilled individuals who work together to extract valuable insights from geospatial information.

Historical Development of GIS

The roots of GIS can be traced back to the early 1960s when computers were becoming more accessible and data processing techniques were evolving. Early developments in cartography and computer science laid the groundwork for GIS. Roger Tomlinson, often regarded as the "Father of GIS," is credited with pioneering the first GIS project in Canada in the 1960s. His work focused on using computers to manage land use information, and he coined the term "Geographic Information System."

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, GIS technology continued to evolve, driven by advancements in computer hardware and software capabilities. The development of specialized GIS software and the establishment of spatial databases expanded the reach and potential of GIS beyond the academic and government sectors.

The 1990s marked a significant turning point for GIS as it became more accessible to non-experts through user-friendly software, such as ArcView, and the integration of GIS into mainstream technologies like GPS and web mapping services.

Key Principles of GIS

To comprehend the full meaning of GIS, it is crucial to understand the core principles that govern its functionality:

1. Geospatial Data: GIS revolves around geospatial data, which refers to information that has a location component tied to it. This data includes geographic features like points, lines, and polygons, as well as attribute data associated with these features.

2. Data Integration: GIS is not just about geographic data; it thrives on the integration of geospatial and non-spatial data. By linking diverse datasets, users can gain deeper insights into relationships and patterns.

3. Spatial Analysis: GIS's true power lies in its ability to perform complex spatial analyses. It enables users to perform tasks like proximity analysis, overlay analysis, spatial interpolation, and network analysis, among others.

4. Data Visualization: GIS allows users to represent complex data in visual formats like maps, charts, and graphs. These visualizations enhance data comprehension and aid in effective communication.

5. Decision Support: GIS serves as a valuable decision support tool, providing spatial context to decision-makers. Whether it's urban planning, disaster response, or business analysis, GIS aids in making informed choices.

Applications of GIS

The versatility of GIS allows it to be applied across a wide range of industries and sectors. Some of its prominent applications include:

1. Urban Planning and Management: GIS is extensively used in urban planning to analyze land use patterns, identify suitable locations for infrastructure projects, and assess the impact of urban development on the environment.

2. Environmental Conservation and Management: GIS plays a pivotal role in monitoring environmental changes, managing natural resources, and protecting wildlife habitats. It aids in understanding climate change impacts and supports conservation efforts.

3. Agriculture and Precision Farming: Farmers use GIS to optimize crop yield by analyzing soil data, monitoring weather patterns, and implementing precision farming techniques.

4. Transportation and Logistics: GIS assists in route optimization, fleet management, and urban mobility planning, leading to more efficient transportation networks.

5. Disaster Management and Emergency Response: During disasters, GIS helps in crisis mapping, resource allocation, and identifying vulnerable areas for effective disaster response and relief efforts.

6. Public Health: GIS is employed to track disease outbreaks, analyze health trends, and plan healthcare facilities, supporting public health initiatives.

7. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage: GIS aids archaeologists in mapping excavation sites, preserving cultural heritage, and conducting spatial analyses of historical contexts.

GIS and the Future

The future of GIS is filled with immense potential, driven by several transformative trends:

1. Big Data and Real-time Analytics: The integration of big data with GIS will enable the analysis of vast amounts of geospatial information in real-time, leading to faster and more accurate decision-making.

2. Internet of Things (IoT) Integration: As IoT devices become more prevalent, GIS will incorporate data from these devices, providing real-time insights and enabling better monitoring of various systems.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning algorithms will enhance GIS capabilities by automating tasks, predicting spatial patterns, and identifying hidden correlations in data.

4. 5G Technology: The advent of 5G will enable faster data transmission, improving GIS applications that rely on real-time data streaming.

5. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): The fusion of GIS with AR and VR technologies will offer immersive and interactive experiences, revolutionizing fields like education, tourism, and urban planning.

6. Cloud-based GIS Solutions: Cloud computing will make GIS more accessible and cost-effective, allowing users to access and share data seamlessly from anywhere.

Geographic Information System (GIS) is more than just a tool; it is a gateway to spatial intelligence and understanding. By harnessing the power of geospatial data, GIS empowers individuals, organizations, and governments to make informed decisions, solve complex problems, and contribute to sustainable development. From urban planning and environmental conservation to disaster management and healthcare, GIS plays a crucial role in shaping the world we live in.

As GIS continues to evolve, integrating cutting-edge technologies like big data analytics, AI, and IoT, its potential will expand even further. The future holds exciting possibilities as GIS transforms into an indispensable tool for addressing global challenges and shaping a more informed, connected, and sustainable future. Embracing GIS means embracing spatial intelligence, unlocking a world of opportunities to better understand our planet and the intricate relationships that govern it.

Read More

GIS College Course Catalogue 2014 Released

GIS College has just released a new Course Catalogue for 2014, showcasing information on all of the GIS courses it delivers in one place.

You can find the GIS College brochure here.

The instructor-led courses, delivered across Australia, are offered in desktop GIS, web mapping, spatial databases and remote sensing, each one focusing on a single piece of software. ArcGIS, MapInfo, Google Earth, FME and other major types of software are covered, and different levels of expertise are catered for – from complete GIS beginners to experienced professionals.

And in addition to the standard courses listed, GIS College also delivers customised training courses to meet the specific needs of any organisation.

Read More

Online Remote Sensing and GIS Programs at Northeastern University

College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University is offering three online programs in remote sensing and GIS. The curriculum can be found at the following pages:

- Graduate Remote Sensing Certificate

- Masters in GIT

- Graduate GIS Certificate

Students have the opportunity to work with ESRI GIS software and ENVI and PCI Geomatica remote sensing software, in addition to learning about open source software. Instructors have extensive experience in their respective fields and are highly qualified individuals. Our programs are entirely online, thus are available to international students also. We offer internship for credit opportunities, access to all the software via a virtual lab environment, and new courses on a routine basis. Look out for "Remote Sensing for Disaster Management; Automated and assisted feature extraction techniques using remote sensing data; and GIS for Crime Mapping and Statistics" to be offered over the next year. Fall classes start on September 12th.

For further information contact: Cordula Robinson: c.robinson@neu.edu; 617 373 2585.

Read More

Top Geography Program Goes to Clark University

The doctorate program at the Clark University Graduate School of Geography is top-ranked in the nation by the National Research Council (NRC).

In April, the NRC released an update to its Data-Based Assessment on Research Doctorate Programs in the United States, a complex and long-anticipated assessment first published in September 2010. Clark ranks at the top with UCLA, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Clark stands out among the 49 geography doctoral programs evaluated in the NRC report as the only top-10 department that is housed within a liberal arts research university, and as one of a small number of departments that sustains a balanced program of research and education across the full breadth of the discipline.

As the oldest, sustained doctoral program in Geography in the country, Clark Geography has granted the largest number of doctoral degrees in the United States and is consistently ranked among the top programs and sustains its reputation in various polls and peer-review rankings.

Clark Geography faculty and students have established themselves as global leaders in innovative, theory-driven research spanning geography's subfields (urban-economic, human-environment, earth-system sciences, Geographic Information Science). Clark's new president, David Angel, is an economic geographer.

Clark doctoral alumni achieve prominent academic and senior non-academic research positions (e.g., NASA). Many international alumni hold important government positions in their home countries (e.g., European Commission) or with non-profit organizations (e.g., National Coffee Growers' Federation in Colombia).

Clark University is a teaching and research institution founded in 1887 as the first all-graduate school in the United States. Until Clark instituted undergraduate programs in 1902, the university offered only Ph.D. granting programs. Clark is also one of the oldest universities to offer formal graduate programs, second only to Johns Hopkins University.

The NRC assessment is based on a variety of data, including faculty research funding, publications, faculty composition, program size, and others. The doctoral programs assessed were scored within two major categories: peer-to-peer survey assessment and objective categories. The updated NRC report also ranks Clark University among the top in a number of objective categories, including percentage of students with external fellowships, average number of Ph.D. graduates, percentage of international students, diversity, faculty performance and awards, research activity and citations per faculty publication.

To learn more, visit the Graduate School of Geography at Clark University, or contact Email Contact.

CONTACT: Marketing and Communications, +1-508-793-7441

SOURCE Clark University

Read More

Python Learning Guide Online

I know that my colleagues at the GIS Center have been learning how to program using Python. Python is a programming language that lets you work more quickly and integrate your systems more effectively.

I really would want to learn this as well, so I searched for the best links for Python tutorials.

1. Visit the Python site. This is the first link that you should see.

2. See Geoprocessing with Python using Open Source GIS. There are examples and assignments that you can try yourself.

3. Also visit OpenOffice.org & Python.

4. Read Intro to Python Scripting for ArcGIS part 1 and part 2.

I will add more if I find more useful links. Enjoy learning Python.

Read More

Masters in GIS at Wageningen University Gets Recognized

The Master Geo-information Science (MSc Geo-Info) at Wageningen University has been evaluated by the Keuzegids Master 2011, as the best study in the category (rural) planning. The Keuzegids evaluates the quality of 600 Master studies at the Dutch universities. The guide helps future students with their choice by comparing the different Master studies on quality aspects.

In the category (rural) planning, the Master Geo-information Science scores the best at all criteria (ranging from study content to facilities and contact), with a total score of 80.

Video:


About the GIS at WUR:
The MSc programme 'Geo-information Science' (MGI) in Wageningen offers a unique blend of geo-information science methods, technologies and applications. Especially the combined use of earth observation techniques (Remote Sensing) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for problem solving within the environmental disciplines is an asset of the Wageningen approach.

Visit the MSc Geo-information Science website.

Read More

GPS Learning CD Released

SuperGeo Technologies is pleased to announce the new release of GPS Learning CD is released globally.

GPS Learning CD is especially designed for GPS beginners. The CD contains abundant and complete GIS knowledge, including the history of GPS, operation principle, signal format, methods to position and measure, etc. Accompanied with Flash animation, GPS concepts, which are hard to explain in books, now can be presented dynamically in animation. Therefore, beginners can effectively build up the complete GPS basic knowledge in the planned and vivid learning environment.

GPS Learning CD can be applied as the materials the lecturers use in the college course. Therefore, lecturers do not have to spend a great amount of time preparing for the course and can avoid the mistakes caused by citing the incorrect internet sources. In addition to assisting lecturers in teaching, GPS Learning CD is also suitable for the people whose work is related to GPS. They can gain the knowledge about GPS and the basic concepts by themselves with the comprehensive contents and the easy descriptions in the CD.

Does interest in GPS Learning CD? Go to www.supergeotek.com to get the more information and order GPS Learning CD online.

Read More

Improving Educational Geo Information Systems (EduGIS)

The Ingenieurbüro für Geoinformatik (GisEO) and the geoinformation service provider DELPHI IMM GmbH recently won the contract for the development and realization of a geo portal and web services to supply a comprehensive survey of educational information based on spatial data. The emerging web technology is planned to support education representatives, parents, students as well as national and international school partners in investigating the structure and performance of schools and after school care or day care facilities in the Land Brandenburg based on up-to-date maps. The supply of the web application will be free of charge and is scheduled to be completed by May 2011.

Representative international school achievement studies like PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) have not only set off an increasing public interest towards pedagogical school profiles and other performance data. Moreover, the number of online users visiting the website ‚School Portraits of Brandenburg‘ of the education server Berlin-Brandenburg is testament to the popularity of online services supplying detailed but transparent educational information. Yet, most of the present available Educational Geo Information Systems (EduGIS) show wide deficits in describing educational information in a space-related context. Consequently, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Land Brandenburg (Staatliche Schulamt Wünsdorf) has realized the missing or at least bad availability of educational based geoinformation for different user groups despite its indefeasible high impact on investment decisions and site questions. “Due to the large variety of educational opportunities for parents there is no greater challenge than choosing an appropriate school or day care center site. The supply of geo-coded school sites and after school care or day care center sites as web service will facilitate the individual decision process by delivering helpful and crucial information like for instance the school address, the name of the school authority or the distance from the child’s home. At the same time, we will implement a technology that avoids the redundant data capture and storage but allows the rapid and profound use of data in combination with other data sources (web services and attribute data),” states Rolf Lessing, Managing Director of DELPHI IMM.

In developing the geo portal and the web services in the course of a funded project by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) the Land Brandenburg will provide a completely free service package. Both education representatives and the public will obtain an interactive web platform to handle versatile tasks and issues in the field of educational information management. This represents a significant step towards a better information culture for the education system of the Land Brandenburg, which will succeed to meet the ever-increasing public demand for information on structure and capacities of the regional education sector. Finally, the project activities are scheduled to allow for a functional enhancement of the geo portal EduGIS at a later date.

Contacts:
Ingenieurbüro für Geoinformatik (GisEO) - Frank Schönburg
T +49 3378 8649-15
www.giseo.de

DELPHI IMM GmbH - Anita Diedrigkeit
T +49 331 62 000 26
www.delphi-imm.de

Read More

Practical Textbook on Remote Sensing

Goldin-Rudahl Systems, Inc. (GRS) has announced that their new textbook, "Learning Remote Sensing Using Dragon/ips and OpenDragon", is now available from Amazon and other booksellers. "Learning Remote Sensing" provides a hands-on introduction to core concepts and operations in remote sensing image analysis and raster GIS. The book combines simple, clear explanations of RS/GIS principles with practical exercises that allow students to experiment with remotely sensed image data and to observe the results of various processing techniques. Although the book is valuable as a stand-alone text, it will be most effective when used in conjunction with the free OpenDragon system or the more powerful Dragon Professional Edition. Images and other files required for the hands-on exercises are available online.

"Learning Remote Sensing" is appropriate for undergraduate students in geography, geology, forestry, civil engineering, landscape design and other disciplines that utilize information derived from remote sensing. It will also be useful for teachers in secondary schools who want to introduce remote sensing to their classes.

For more information about "Learning Remote Sensing Using OpenDragon and Dragon/ips, visit http://www.createspace.com/3489254 or the Dragon website, dragon-ips.com. Kindle and other electronic formats will be available soon.

Read More

EndNote X4 for Windows and Mac OS X

EndNote X4 lets you take a deep breath and relax while it is hard at work connecting you to high quality resources, simplifying your collaboration with colleagues and removing the reference stress from all your research projects. With EndNote you can:

• Collect references and find full text
• Collaborate with others using EndNote Web
• Manage personal publication lists for ResearcherID
• Cite While You Write™ in 4,500+ journal styles!

What's new in EndNote X4?

• Import and Search PDFs
o Create new records by importing a file or folder of PDFs into your EndNote library.
o Search the contents of imported PDFs.
• Collaborate more with EndNote Web—transfer up to 10,000 references between the desktop and Web.
• Use new Cite While You Write Features
o Link in-text citations to the bibliography automatically in Microsoft Word.
o Cite While You Write in Word 2010 (32-bit)—and now Mathematica 8
o Format footnotes using customizable short forms.
o Meet the complete APA 6th style requirements.
• Create new groups by comparing, combining and suppressing existing groups.

Download a free trial.

Read More

South Dakota State University Imaging Sciences Institute - Soon

South Dakota State University has plans to create a new Imaging Sciences Institute as a way to grow its partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey's EROS Data Center near Garretson that collects and archives satellite images for the federal government.

University officials shared their visions for the institute Wednesday with Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and Marcia McNutt, director of U.S. Geological Survey, at a roundtable discussion on the Brookings campus and during a tour of EROS.

The new Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence is in the concept stage, and SDSU President David Chicoine said it would help researchers keep up with advancements in data collection and storage of satellite images. Students will work with acquisition, calibration, processing, training and leadership, which will expand the university's role into all areas of remote sensing and imaging.

He said the long-standing partnership between the university, EROS and U.S. Geological Survey is continuing to grow.

McNutt said the U.S. Geological Survey is at a major turning point with regard to Landsat satellites, and its role as a server and manager of space information, because it has been asked to step up as the agency responsible for national land imaging. The partnership with SDSU will play a key role in providing opportunities for these future missions.

[via Argus Leader]

Read More

Summer school for satellite navigation

Young engineers and scientists from all over the world will gather this summer in Denmark to study navigation by satellite, devising new scientific and technical improvements, products and services, according to ESA. A jury of experts from several European universities and Stanford University will select the best proposals.

ESA is the organiser of an international summer school on global navigation satellite systems such as GPS, GLONASS, COMPASS and Galileo. This year’s school is being held 1–10 September at Slettestrand near Aalborg, Denmark.

Satellite navigation has become an important tool for Europe. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) are a crucial component of the global information infrastructure, useful not only for navigation but also for a wide range of other applications, including accurate timekeeping, surveying, specialised Earth observation and fundamental scientific research.

The summer school provides a comprehensive overview of the design and development of satellite navigation systems and their applications. It is attended by graduate students, PhD candidates and young researchers and professionals from industry and national agencies.

In addition to lectures on fundamental topics, courses cover GPS, Russia’s Glonass, Europe’s Galileo, China’s Beidou/Compass, Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System and India’s Regional Navigation Satellite System.

Augmentation systems such as Europe’s Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) and the US Wide-Area Augmentation System (WAAS) are also be addressed.

The summer school includes a competition challenging students to propose a new satnav application, including a complete description of the product/service, the technical approach for its implementation, a market analysis and a business plan. Each team presents their application to a jury of experts from several European universities and Stanford University.

Guest lectures by internationally renowned scientists supplement those given by the school’s directors. Lecturers include René Oosterlinck, Director of ESA Galileo Programme and Navigation Related Activities, who also opens the Summer School together with Kai Borre, of the Danish GPS Center of the Aalborg University, who hosts the School. Guenter Hein, Head of ESA’s Galileo Operations and Evolution Department and the former Director of the Institute of Geodesy and Navigation of the University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich is one of the lecturers again this year.

Other organisations include the Institute Superieur de l`Aeronautique et de l`Espace, Toulouse, Graz University of Technology, University FAF Munich and the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The school is part of ESA’s Education in Navigation (EDUNAV) programme, which aims to foster GNSS training. The programme, a joint venture between ESA’s Education Office and Navigation Directorate, includes the creation of dedicated PhD opportunities, provision of training tools for universities and a book on GNSS processing algorithms.

Satellite navigation has been identified by ESA's Education Office as one of the key areas in which specific efforts should be made to transfer knowledge to the next generation of engineers and scientists.

The number of participants is limited to 50, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. In fact, the Summer School was booked out within two weeks of the first announcement. Participants this year come from 24 countries across the world, encompassing four continents.

Read More

How to find and delete empty cells, rows in Excel

I thought I should share this with you - Microsoft Excel tips. I am working with some data points in Excel right now and encountered unnecessary empty cells or empty rows that I don't want to be included in the database. I could have just deleted it one by one, however, it will take me forever to finish 23,000 rows.

Googling led me to DigDB Excel add-in. It is an Excel macro add-in file that you can download and use for free.

Download the Excel macro add-in file:

DigDB.xla.zip for Excel 2000/XP/2003 (or DigDB.xla)
1 meg

DigDB.xlam.zip for Excel 2007 (or DigDB.xlam)
1 meg (supports 2007's million-row limit)

How to install?

1. Download the zip file
2. Open the zip, take the DigDB file out, place it on desktop.
3. If you never had DigDB before, just double-click DigDB to run it. If Excel has DigDB previously installed, start Excel first, click DigDB->Uninstall to uninstall the old version, close Excel. Double-click the new DigDB and run.
4. Add DigDB to Excel menu if you want to.

Add DigDB to Excel menu

You don't need to do this if you only use DigDB occasionally. You can simply place the downloaded macro on desktop and open it when needed. But if you use DigDB frequently, it's easy to make DigDB load up automatically when Excel starts.

For Excel2000/2003, go to Excel->Tools->Add-ins..., use "Browse..." to find and select your DigDB.xla file, make sure Digdb checkbox is checked, ok out.

For Excel2007, click the upper-left Office button, then "Excel options"->"Add-ins"->"Manage 'Add-ins' Go...", then use "Browse..." to find and select your DigDB.xla file, make sure Digdb checkbox is checked, ok out.

Thanks to digdb.com.

Read More

USC College - GIS Online Degrees

University of Southern California, USC College, has launched a new Web site for its online Geographic Information Science and Technology Master of Science and Graduate Certificate Programs.

The programs are designed and overseen by geography professor John Wilson, one of the world’s leading scholars in spatial sciences.

“The U.S. Department of Labor recently identified geospatial as one of the three most important emerging and evolving fields of study and employment growth over the next two or three decades,” Wilson said.

The online courses are designed to enhance a student’s spatial thinking abilities, build knowledge of the field and develop skills in geospatial technologies.

Coursework prepares graduates of these programs for existing and emerging jobs in emergency and environmental management, food production, intelligence, public safety, real estate, and telecommunications and utility sectors.

“USC is committed to providing distance learning programs that reflect the academic quality one expects from a world-class research university,” said Howard Gillman, dean of USC College.

The benefits of the USC College programs include:

• interacting with our world-class faculty;
• collaborating, networking and exchanging ideas with a diverse student population;
• learning from an approach that examines today’s problems from multiple perspectives, including health, planning, architecture and more;
• participating in a one-week trip to the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island;
• accessing an online program at any time from any place.

The courses are not limited to individuals following a geography path. “I found [the] technology to be interdisciplinary in nature, enhancing the decision-making process and allowing individuals to communicate complex issues across language and cultural barriers in a clear, concise and easily understandable way,” said Jeremy Olson-Sheton ’09. “It changes a PowerPoint filled with words into a dynamic illustration of the issue being presented.”

Matthew Stuemky, a Geographic Information Science and Technology certificate graduate with a degree in business administration and computer applications and systems, said that he appreciated the program’s quality. “I am glad I discovered it when I did, as I was ready to take my career in a new direction.”

Students enrolled in the Master of Science program — which can be completed in one year — will prepare an individually guided thesis to take with them when they apply for a job in the marketplace.

To learn more about these programs, visit gis.usc.edu

Read More

AUSGeoid09: Converting GPS heights to AHD heights

Australian Surveying and Land Information Group (AUSLIG) (now Geoscience Australia) introduced new version of gravimetric geoid model, AUSGeoid09. AUSGeoid09 is still undergoing final testing before its release in mid-2010. It allows Global Positioning System (GPS) users to convert between GPS heights and Australian Height Datum (AHD) heights. In Australia, heights above mean sea level (MSL) are referenced to the Australian Height Datum (AHD). It was established by setting the mean value observed at 32 tide gauges around Australia between 1966 and 1968 to a height of 0.000 metres. Levelling techniques were then used to transfer heights relative to MSL across Australia.

GPS receivers are now widely used for accurate positioning and navigation in Australia. They use a different reference surface known as the ellipsoid. It is a simplified approximation of the Earth that looks like a basketball which has been slightly squashed at the top and bottom. Unfortunately, ellipsoid is not directly compatible with the AHD. Consequently, there has been an increasing demand for a method of combining the speed of GPS data acquisition and the practicality of the AHD. Hence, AUSGeoid09 is the answer. It offers significant productivity gains for GPS users by allowing them to compute AHD heights either in the field in real time or back in the office.

AUSGeoid09 is a three dimensional model used to convert ellipsoidal heights (as observed by GPS) to AHD heights to within ±0.050 metres accuracy across most of Australia. Older versions of AUSGeoid are predominantly based on satellite and terrestrial gravity observations which were a best fit of The Geoid over Australia (Featherstone et al 2001). These AUSGeoid versions, referred to as gravimetric geoids, do not account for the one metre offset trend between The Geoid and the AHD. As a result, when using these versions GPS users can only retrieve AHD heights to within ±0.5 metres.

But, AUSGeoid09 is slightly different. Instead of only using gravity data, it also includes a geometric component developed from GPS and AHD data which describes the approximate one metre offset trend between the AHD and the gravimetric geoid. The gravimetric and geometric components are combined together into a single national grid with two kilometre resolution. The addition of the geometric component means that the AUSGeoid09 model is no longer a true representation of the Geoid because it is not an equipotential surface. However, the AUSGeoid name is retained for familiarity.

Check it here.

Read More

How to Open AVIRIS Image in ENVI

How would you open a hyperspectral AVIRIS Image in an ENVI environment? If you are new to using AVIRIS data, you may have problems importing them to ENVI. ENVI software support hyperspectral datasets and it is quite easy to open them.

A downloaded Airborne Visible InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) image from the AVIRIS website will have these extensions: .eng, .nav, .rfl.

To open the image: Open Image File --> (Select the First Scene File -- the first .rfl file)

Then you will be prompted with a window that will ask for the data format, like defining the header file. The downloaded data usually carries a "readme" file that should contain all the information necessary to define the header file.

For AVIRIS, the typical input is:

samples = 614
lines = 512
bands = 224
header offset = 0
file type = ENVI Standard
data type = 2
interleave = bip
sensor type = Unknown
byte order = 1

Try these parameters and you will be able to open the images with no problem.

Read More

Tutorial: Analysis of Spatial Point Patterns in 'R'

This is a detailed set of workshop notes on analyzing spatial point patterns using the statistical software package 'R'.

These workshop notes, written in 2008, cover statistical methods available in public domain software.

The workshop uses the statistical package 'R' and is based on 'spatstat', an add-on library for 'R' for the analysis of spatial data.

Topics covered include:

* statistical formulation and methodological issues
* data input and handling
* R concepts such as classes and methods
* nonparametric intensity estimates
* goodness-of-fit testing for Complete Spatial Randomness
* maximum likelihood inference for Poisson processes
* model validation for Poisson processes
* distance methods and summary functions such as Ripley’s K function
* non-Poisson point process models
* simulation techniques
* fitting models using summary statistics
* Gibbs point process models
* fitting, simulating and validating Gibbs models
* multitype and marked point patterns
* exploratory analysis of marked point patterns
* multitype Poisson process models and maximum likelihood inference
* multitype Gibbs process models and maximum pseudolikelihood
* line segment data.

This workshop tutorial requires the software 'R' version 2.6.0 or later, and 'spatstat' version 1.14-5 or later.

Download the guide here, in PDF.

Read More

University of Kashmir - Masters in Remote Sensing and GIS

According to a PTI report, University of Kashmir (KU) has introduced Master's Programme in Remote Sensing and GIS from the academic session 2010-11. The University has constituted an advisory committee, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor Riyaz Punjabi, for smooth functioning of this course.

He said the introduction of the programme will further help make the benefits of space technology and IT available to our state. Shoukat Shafi, KU spokesman, said, “The goal is to enhance the understanding and subsequent use of Remote Sensing and GIS for socio-economic environmental friendly development of the state."

University of Kashmir was the first University in the North India to offer PG Diploma in Remote Sensing and GIS in 2004.

Visit the university site.

Read More

Graduate Research Assistant - Fellowship Opportunity

Masters in Geography Graduate Research Assistant - Fellowship

The Department of Geography at the University of New Mexico is seeking to hire a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) in Historical Geography, starting Fall 2010. GRAs are expected to be enrolled full-time in the MS in Geography program. Some of the specific research projects the GRA will be working on include:

• Historical transitions in New Mexico’s water resource management funded by the National Science Foundation. This research examines the ways local New Mexican communities responded to federal and territorial/state initiatives for centralized water management in the early 20th century. Data sources include district court cases, newspaper publications, and archival materials.

• Development of hydrological science in the arid West funded by the National Science
Foundation. This research examines the rhetorical, cultural, and structural Development of hydrology as a “science” for irrigation in the late-nineteenth-century American West, focusing on the ways water engineers and water administrators represented their work. Data sources include government documents, newspaper publications, and personal papers of water engineers.

• Cartography and expertise in water management funded by the National Science Foundation. This research examines the role of cartography in early 20th-century water management in New Mexico. Data sources includes government documents, district court cases, and personal papers of water engineers.

Qualified applicants should have an undergraduate degree in Geography or related field, with strong research and writing skills. Interest in natural resource management and experience with archival materials is also desirable. The GRA position consists of a competitive monthly stipend, including tuition waiver and benefits. Those interested in the positions should apply to the MS program in Geography and indicate that they would like to be considered for the GRA position in Historical Geography.

Application deadline to be considered for Fall 2010 is February 1, 2010.

Applications materials can be accessed at www.unm.edu/grad/admissions/admissions.html. Details on the Department of Geography and the MS program in Geography can be found at geography.unm.edu. More details on these specific research projects can also be found at www.unm.edu/~mdlane.

For more information, contact:

Maria Lane, Assistant Professor
Department of Geography
Bandelier West Room 111, MSC01 1110
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
E-mail: mdlane@unm.edu
Tel: (505) 277-1752

Read More

OpenGeoscience — Free GIS and Remote Sensing Data

OpenGeoscience - a free service where you can view maps, download photographs and other information. Use OpenGeoscience material free-of-charge for non-commercial private study, research and educational activities.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) has published a series of interactive geological maps onto OpenGeoscience, an online portal that has been unofficially dubbed "googlerock."

The maps will be available to the public free of charge. This is the first time free maps containing such a level of detail have been published online.

"OpenGeoscience provides the public with a wealth of geological information including maps, photos and digital data. Users can combine this with other environmental information to help them understand their environment," stated Dr Keith Westhead, head of information delivery.

The map has an interface similar to Google maps, where users can drill down into geological information in a particular area. It also includes the free provision of offshore maps, earthquake location information and samples of ground stability hazard maps.

And the portal provides software downloads to help geological mapping, free educational resources and access to a wealth of digital geological information and reports held by the BGS. Visit the portal for free GIS and Remote Sensing Data download.

Read More