Geographical Information System and Land Development - Research Paper Example

Geographical information system and land development A Geographic Information System, GIS, is a computerized designed system designed to store, capture, manipulate, scrutinize, retrieve, handle, and present all kinds of spatial or geographical data (Pierce and David, 1).GIS, Data encapsulated and used in them are represented on other hard-copy maps or paper. A GIS varies from other graphics systems in several respects and that is what distinguishes it. To start with, data are georeferenced to the coordinates of a given projection system. This consent to precise placement of elements on the earths surface as well as maintaining the spatial link between mapped features. In the long run, commonly referenced data can be superimposed to determine relationships between data components. Geographic information system (GIS) software applies relational database management technologies to consign a series of attributes to every spatial characteristic (Longley et al 86). Ordinary aspect identification keys are used to associate the spatial and attribute data among tables. For example, a soil polygon can be associated to a chain of database tables that explains chemical composition, its mineral, crop yield, slope, land use suitability, and other features. Another aspect of Geographic information system (GIS) is that it provides the capability to coalesce series of data into a multiple data layer that may later be a base layer in the database. For instance, demography, slope, wetlands, hydrography, soils and land use can be merged to develop a solitary layer of proper hazardous waste storage sites (Longley et al 140). These data, in turn, may be integrated into the listing database of local government and applied for regulatory and planning evaluations.GIS software normally allows for two kinds of data. Some use raster data i.e. satellite imagery while others use vectors to represent features on the surface of the earth. Most systems allow for complete integration of both types of data (Pierce and David, 11). A GIS can be used to explain basic locational questions such as what is positioned at a given level on the earth surface; or where is the exact element located? At the same time, soils data across the entire watershed can be asked to determine the distribution of regions with hydric soils of huge than 100 acres and are linked to key river system (Pierce and David, 15). Geographic information system (GIS) is becoming the dais of choice for mixing and analyzing enormous range of data in the field of agriculture due to the ability to analyze those data flow and display findings visually on maps (Longley et al 68). One of the key areas that Geographic information system (GIS) is applied in Agriculture has been in the area of cropping out fraud. Effectiveness of GIS technologies has helped many organizations particularly agricultural, financial institutions in catching those making fraudulent claims of crop losses. Using data from the newly launched Land sat eight satellite, the organizations are able to establish whether damage to crops after occurrence of a flood or another weather event has occurred. Many agricultural statistical departments today have turned to Geographic information system (GIS) Web services to develop its huge Cropland Data Layer (CDL) convenient to access for the public they serve. The Cropland Data Layer (CDL) contains geocoded satellite imagery of crop acreage that is always analyzes in order to produce crop estimates. It has produced an online application that gives not only access to selected data, but built-in questions and reporting tools. The CropScape website gives an efficient way to spread the data and minimizes the need to distribute DVDs via snail mail or FTP (Longley et al. 45). Most importantly, it enables more individuals who do not have Geographic information system (GIS) software to interact with the data right on the website (Pierce and David, 129). This enables to the organizations serve their customers better. Geographic information system (GIS) has been of importance in the agriculture in obtaining cross breeding data. It has grown software that manages huge data streams and provides more powerful analytic tools in this area of research. GIS can give the capability to coalesce series of data into a multiple data layer that may later be a base layer in the database. This key feature is of importance in obtaining cross breeding data. Together with more accurate sensor data from a variety of regions the capabilities have blossomed (Longley et al. 28). Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are inconceivably helpful in being able to map and project present and future fluctuations in precipitation, crop output, temperature, and many more. By mapping geologic and geographic characteristics of current and potential farmland scientists and agriculturists can work jointly to create more effective and efficient farming practices; this could increase food production in many regions of the world that are under pressure to produce enough for the people they live with. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can analyze soil data combined with past farming techniques to determine what the perfect crops to plant, where they should be planted, and how to uphold soil nutrition levels to perfectly benefit the plants. Land use mapping and planning is another key area that Geographic information system (GIS) has been of assistance in agriculture. As in any planning effort, planning in agriculture requires information. GIS is applied to the agricultural landscape can effectively analyze, store and display information that is geographically based (Longley et al. 38). GIS can also better our understanding of agricultural areas; help develops agricultural development and assist in identifying and handling queries important to strengthening farming. Geographic information system (GIS) enable us access to huge amounts of information efficiently and quickly for instance, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) let you visualize information in new ways that reveal link, trends, and pattern not able to be seen with other popular systems. As such, it is possible to conclude that GIS is a thematic mapping system, meaning you can develop maps based on themes such as hydrology or soil. Map features can be related to the corresponding information contained in database tables. Another benefit of GIS here is that it is a flexible product rather than a static product, making it is convenient and relatively cheaper to update, edit, and reproduce maps of concern. Various layers of maps can be easily displayed in a variety of overlap, scales, and Combine to fit the requirements of the user (Pierce and David, 78). Works cited Longley, Paul A, Michael F. Goodchild, David J. Maguire, and David W. Rhind.Geographical Information Systems and Science. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2005. Print. Pierce, F J, and David Clay. Gis Applications in Agriculture. Boca Raton, FL: CRC/Taylor & Francis, 2007. Print. Read More