What is GIS?

Geographical Information Systems Formally started in the 60’s, although

probably manually before this late 80’s and the 90’s GIS gained

momentum Decreased cost of computers Increasingly user friendly software Availability of spatial data Improvement of complimentary technologies –

remote sensing, GPS Appearance of formalized GIS training

What is GIS? GIS is a very large and multidisciplinary

field An all encompassing definition of GIS is

difficult to form. To help us better what GIS is we need

to break it down….

The ‘G’ of GIS Geographic(al) indicates that we are

dealing with data that is spatial in nature

That is data that has a coordinate associated with it, usually geographic

The ‘I’ of GIS Identifies that we have some sort of

data component involved Spatial data – where things are Attribute data – about what is there

Hydrant_ID: A01245Flow: 35m3/sec.Diameter: 2 In.

The ‘S’ of GIS Implies there are multiple components

linked to each other To be successful all components must

be in place

Users

Data Computers

Software Knowledge

GIS

Functions of GIS GIS is used to…

Capture Storage Manipulation Retrieval Analysis Display

This is only possible with trained people!

GIS is not… GPS Just map making Software

Spatial Data

City of Brandon• An ownership layer

was developed with the boundaries for every parcel of land within the city limits.

• This ownership layer is used for a number of practical applications, including:• Taxation assessment• Land use planning

purposes• Building permit

applications

Manitoba Conservation Aerial survey

recorded GPS coordinates for deer, elk and moose sightings in the Spruce Woods area.

Locations then entered into a GIS to help analyze and organize migration patterns of large game found in the area.

Manitoba Hydro Providing a reliable

electricity source is critical in the potentially frigid Manitoban environment

Manitoba Hydro uses GIS to help pinpoint causes of power failures and quickly restore service to their customers.

Manitoba Water Conservation Districts

Throughout Manitoba water conservation districts are using GIS to better manage their watersheds, including: Soil erosion models Waterfowl capacities Ground water models Surface water run-off

potential

Manitoba Land Initiative• The Manitoba Land

Initiative Web site is the source for geo-spatial information from the Government of Manitoba.

• With the creation of this free website available to all, the field of GIS will only continue to grow in Manitoba

http://web2.gov.mb.ca/mli