GIS for Architects - MIT Libraries · GIS Software • ESRI ArcGIS - commonly used commercial GIS...

GIS for Architecture

MIT GIS Services

Libguides.mit.edu/gis

gishelp@mit.edu

What is GIS and what can I do with it?

• Make maps

• Make maps

• Query geographic data

• Make maps

• Query geographic data

• Perform Analysis

• Make maps

• Query geographic data

• Perform Analysis

• Present spatial data

points, lines, polygons

Format: shapefile (.shp)

Data Types - Vector

Row and column matrix

Format: image or grid (.jpg, .tif, etc.)

Examples: images, elevation, scanned maps

Data Types - Raster O

2 O

O O

1 1 1

O 2

1

2

1

1

1

O

1

1

1

1

O

1

1

1

Data types - Tabular

Where can I find data?

MIT Geodata Repository MIT GeoWeb – search 2000+ layers of MIT hosted GIS data and data from other schools.

GIS Services links to data: libguides.mit.edu/gis

Openstreetmap.org

•Great source for building outlines, roads, water, transportation etc.

•Information varies based on location

•May not be 100% accurate

•Download as a pdf, png, jpeg, or svg from openstreetmap

•Download data as a shapefile from Geofabrik

More on CD/DVD in the MIT Library Collections

Create and add your own data Georeference a scanned map or image

Create and add your own data Geocode addresses

Create and add your own data Plot coordinates as points

Create and add your own data Draw your own shapes

Collect your own GPS data Global Positioning Systems are available for checkout from the Rotch Library Circulation desk

So I’ve got my data in the GIS… Now what?

View different datasets together

Display data with symbols and labels

GIS lets you query your geographic data

Query by attribute values – like a database

Query by location – like a smart map

GIS provides many tools to let you analyze your geographic data

Generate Contour Lines

Automatically at the intervals you specify

Calculate buffer distances

Calculate what is

•inside

•outside

•within a certain distance

Perform spatial analyses

•Analyze patterns

•Map clusters

•Measure geographic distributions

•Model spatial relationships

Export to CAD

GIS lets you present geographic data

Make maps to convey data

3D visualization and animation

Data Management Tips

GIS Software

• ESRI ArcGIS - commonly used commercial GIS software

– Runs on Windows – Macs use Bootcamp (or Parallels).

– Available for download by MIT community.

• Free, open source options (run on Mac & Windows)

– Quantum GIS (QGIS)

– GVSig

MIT GIS Services - Individual & classroom GIS support

- MIT GIS Lab located in Rotch Library - Email support through gishelp@mit.edu

- General workshops - Access to GIS data: Geodata Repository

(GeoWeb & ArcMap Interface) - Loan GPS units to MIT community