GIS Resources and Concepts

new domain

2012-01-10T03:19:00.001-08:00

This blog has been shifted to New Domain

http://gisconcepts.myclassicreviews.net

TurboCAD - Professional 2D and 3D Design Software

2011-12-15T03:50:00.000-08:00

Turbo CAD is a CAD software application for 2D and 3D design and drafting running on the Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems. Turbo CAD is designed by IMSI/Design, LLC, a private company headquartered in Novato, California. IMSI/Design products include the award-winning Turbo CAD, TurboFLOORPLAN, TurboSketch, and DesignCAD families of precision design applications.

Turbo CAD Pro Basic and Platinum editions contain general drafting tools, as well as tools for 3D architectural and mechanical design. Both editions will create ACIS Solids or TC Surface objects. The Basic editions contain limited set architectural and mechanical tools, whereas Platinum contains all the tools (600+).

For less demanding users, a less expensive Turbo CAD Deluxe 2D / 3D version is available. Its 3D tools are TC Surface tools and have a limited amount of Architectural and mechanical tools.

For users needing only 2D functionality, there is the much less expensive TurboCAD Designer. With the exception of Turbo CAD Designer, the other Turbo CAD releases support both 2D drafting and 3D modeling tools.

Turbo CAD Pro 18 is IMSI's powerful, professional 2D and 3D design CAD package for all design professionals - architects, surveyors, joiners, fitters, mechanical engineers and conceptual designers. Turbo CAD delivers an outstanding combination of tools; more often associated with costly, high-support-dependant CAD solutions.

Users want to be able to seamlessly import files from other CAD sources so they can carry on with their design project - not spend hours on the phone to technical support trying to resolve problems.

Salient Features of Turbo CAD

1) Advanced Drawing tools include over 40 line, arc, curve, and spline tools plus over 50 modification tools. They aren’t organized exactly like Auto CAD, but they are still easy to find.

2) What if analysis is provided to streamline your design process. Being able to plan ahead and see if your ideas would work out without spending a lot of time designing them.

3) Select, copy, and editing tools allow you to edit more than one component at a time and can save you time by copying similar objects and editing them to create a new object.

4) Parametric design allows you to create objects and components that you can reuse throughout your project. For those of you who are experts there is also a scripting function to design your parts.

5) The Light works rendering engine has been updated to allow illumination to be added anywhere in your design. This is a nice wow feature for when you’re doing “the sell” presentation.

6) You can connect to any ODBC database and define bill of materials, field reports, and part lists.

7) With the Arch and Platinum edition you can add sheetrock, wiring, etc. Also a nice wow feature, but also a good way to keep building costs in mind.

8 ) Doors and windows parametrically designed can be dragged and dropped into place and yes they’re self healing.

9) Stairs, railings, and slabs have all been improved and there are tons of options.

Turbo CAD is very similar to Auto CAD, both having different options and similar options. It’s hard to say one is better than the other. Some people are raving about the improved ability to import and export from Google sketch, and being able to connect to an offsite or network database are two extremely helpful improvements. Because Turbo CAD isn’t a market leader they are offering more options than Auto CAD who is the market leader; although the programs are similar.

Visit IMSI/Design for a wide selection of award-winning precision design, graphics and utilities software at great prices!

Turbo CAD software is the way to go since they are offering more functionality and features.

List of Map Vendors and Commercially Available GIS data for India

2011-12-09T01:47:00.000-08:00

Geospatial Data availability in India

India is fast moving into being an information and knowledge society – especially with the emphasis on Information Technology and “transparent” e-governance. The future will see further large-scale investment in communications technology as India moves to exploit the full potential of the information age. Initiatives by the Government, including the IT Act, as well as announced plans for private and public investment, make it clear that within a few years an unprecedented capability will exist for sharing of data along “electronic superhighways.” Amongst the variety of datasets that would be involved, spatial (or map) information will be a major “content”. These Spatial information sets are vital to make sound decisions at the local, regional, state and central level planning, implementation of action plans, infrastructure development, disaster management support, and business development. Natural Resources management, flood mitigation, environmental restoration, land use assessments and disaster recovery are just a few examples of areas in which decision-makers are benefiting from spatial information.

Follwing is the list of some Map Vendors and Commercially available GIS data for India

· MPGIS: A village level GIS on State of Madhya Pradesh, India. The economic and quality solutions given by it designers is the outcome of large experience in field level applications. It is available for all kinds of GIS mapping and custom based GIS software solutions.

· GIS Maps: GIS Maps is a online India GIS data map store. Where you can fullfill all your gis data related requirements. We have an outstanding amount of GIS map data for different parts of the country. We have maintain very low price range for all our gis maps product, Our all gis & data products you can purchase online from our GIS DATA section. Our GIS data can serve for wide range of industries and sector including Transportaion, Telecommunication, Mining, Tourism, Muncipal, Utility sectors, Automotive, Real Estate and Retail sector etc

Eicher : Leader of high quality GIS data in India since 1995, through a strategic alliance with Survey of India, Eicher offers spatial data at scales ranging from 1:4000 to 1:1M for various cities & states of India. Eicher’s Spatial Data is available for industries such as Telecom, Utilities and Power, Government Organizations like Defense, Election Commissions, Municipal Corporations, Town Planning organizations, Rural & Urban Development authorities, Emergency Services & Police, Infrastructure, FMCG companies, Transportation, Fleet Management & Logistic companies, Real Estate. email : reach@eicher.co.in

· India Map store: We are leading GIS and Vector Map Development Company.Our team is specalised in GIS and vector data processing | care@indiamapstore.com

· TTK Maps and GIS: TTK Maps was established in 1965 as a cartographic map making unit and since then it has evolved into a strong GIS, Cartography and Application Development presence. Backed by decades of experience in Cartography and mapping solutions, TTK Maps GIS Division has the expertise to provide complete mapping solutions with its new state-of-the art technology and infrastructure now in place. Contact us at harish@ttkgis.com

· ArdoSama Geospatial: We have the fresh GPS Points data at Reasonable Cost for more than 50 categories.Mail us at ardosama@gmail.com

· RFVERSA: RFVERSA supplies crucial busines related GIS data, both for India and other parts of the world. We provide GIS data in different formats as per the client request. We supply digital maps of various Indian cities including navigable streets, clutter data, administrative boundaries and business geographics. E-mail: vijay@rfversa.com

· Transworld Compressor Technologies Ltd.: GIS Point data for India. Collected database of Cellular Base Stations across India, geo-referenced.

· SGS Infotech Pvt. Ltd.: Providing GIS Maps and their solutions.

· Lepton Software Export & Research Pvt. Ltd.: Over years, Leptonmaps has evolved as one of the top mapping firm serving the needs of global Telecommunications ,local navigation and LBS industries. The strength of Leptonmaps lies in delivering customized map content to the continuously changing customer needs.

· TriCAD: TriCAD is in the process of collecting the attribute data of every individual parcel for all metros, major cities in india on cost sharing basis. this model is worked out well for our valued clients to procure the highly accurate data at 1/2 the cost. What ever the complicated GIS application/decision support system you think we make it comfortable and economical. Interested talk to us on 9848325455.

· LeadDog Consulting: LeadDog is a leading provider of GIS mapping worldwide with coverage in over 90 countries. LeadDog maps provide the fuel for many global spatial applications. Please visit our website to view our maps online and to contact us for a map catalog.

· ML Infomap Pvt Ltd: ML Infomap's map data sets have evolved over a period of fifteen years, while the company has focused on consistently improving map coverage, accuracy and currency. Today, it has the largest repository of POIs and seamless, nationwide base maps and city street maps. Clients use ML Infomap's map data sets to support terrain modelling, retail segmentation, navigation and Location Based Services. The map data sets are widely used for academic research, geographical analysis and Internet publishing.

· Geographic Enterprises: Highest Quality GIS Map Datasets available ‘off the shelf’ in MapInfo and ESRI ArcGIS formats.

· CE Info Systems (P) Ltd: Shop our map & data store for a comprehensive range of CD Maps, digital maps, digital data & paper maps. We guarantee they will aid you drive business decisions faster & deploy enterprise level GIS seamlessly across your organization.

· Environmental Information Center: Comprehensive environmental dataset from The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), India

· Maptell: Maptell include an astounding amount of GIS data, both for India and other parts of the world. We provide GIS data in different formats as per the client request. We supply digital maps of various Indian cities. This data comprise roads, landuse, points of interest and a lot more.

Freely available GIS data for India

Geo Community: Free nationwide data for India - Admin boundaries, Hyderpgraphy, DEM etc.
Election Commission of India GIS Data (free): Under the Electronic Election data initiative, the Commission has opened its databases. This section contains GIS data of Parliament and Assembly Boundaries, as SHAPE files as well as Digital Data (Lat-Long points) in XML format.

Web GIS Portals

Samajkalyana.org: Development support mapping and documentation system. Web mapping for Karnataka state.
TamilNadu Maps Online: Online map portal by GIS DIVISION - National Informatics Centre-Tamil Nadu State Centre, Chennai
NIC Portal: WebGIS application for village level mapping of demographics and amenities for entire India

Learn GIS Online- Useful Links

2011-12-08T02:44:00.000-08:00

1. Courses & Tutorials

Geographic Informaton System (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analyzing and displaying data related to positions on the Earth’s surface.

Typically, a Geographical Information System is used for handling maps of one kind or another. These might be represented as several different layers where each layer holds data about a particular kind of feature. Each feature is linked to a position on the graphical image on a map and a record in an attribute table. GIS can relate otherwise disparate data on the basis of common geography, revealing hidden patterns, relationships, and trends that are not readily apparent in spreadsheets or statistical packages, often creating new information from existing data resources.

Hidden in most data is a geographical component: an address, postal code, census block, city, county, or latitude/longitude coordinate. With GIS, you can explore the spatial element of your data to display soil types, track crime patterns, analyze animal migration patterns, find the best location for an expanding business, model the path of atmospheric pollution, and make decisions for many types of complicated problems.

Whether you are a student, faculty, or a staff already using GIS or you are completely new to this technology, here are some useful links to online literature and tools to upgrade your knowledge and skillset.

GIS Tutorials

ESRI Virtual Campus- Self-paced on-line courses cover a variety of topics related to GIS science, GIS technology, and GIS applications.
ArcGIS Desktop Introduction- A basic tutorial from University of Arkansas.
GIS Core Curriculum for Technical Programs- NCGIA, Over 50 units of technical instruction
Tufts GIS Tip Sheets- Numerous tip sheets for GIS technical support.
OpenGeo Education Center- Community created and supported training and workshops for Open Source GIS software and data.

Remote Sensing Tutorials

ENVI Tutorials- A variety of step-by-step guides covering topics ranging from getting started with ENVI to classification tools to programming with IDL.
Remote Sensing Tutorial- A comprehensive introduction to Remote Sensing developed by NASA.

GPS Tutorials

Trimble GPS
A Practical Guide to GPS by Dave Bartlett
GPS Basics- from the FAA Navigation Services Website
The GPS Device- Links to navigation before the use of satellites, the development of GPS, and how it is used today.

Internaltional GIS Programs / Courses

2. GIS Software : There are many GIS software packages, each offering different application niches. Below is a list of popular GIS and Remote Sensing software programs.
	ArcGIS is developed by ESRI, a GIS industry leader. ESRI software focuses on the technical needs of GIS users and has products for desktop computers, servers and hand-held devices. Stanford has a campus-wide site license of ESRI software. Visit our download software page for more information.
	GRASS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System), originally developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is an open source program with complete GIS functionality.
	Manifold is a low-cost and a complete GIS. License files are available to Stanford; please contact the GIS Manager for further details.
	GeoDa a free spatial analysis package also specializing in geovisualization.
	Quantum GIS (QGIS) is a user friendly open source GIS that runs on Linux, Unix, Mac OSX, and Windows.
	DIVA-GIS is a free GIS focusing on mapping and analyzing biodiversity data.
Remote Sensing Software
	IDRISI developed by Clark University's Clark Labs, is an low-cost integrated GIS and image processing software with many analysis modules.
	IMAGINE an image processing, classification and visualization software.
	ENVI provides a variety of image processing and classification functions and has a particular strength in hyperspectural image analysis. ENVI is written in IDL (Interactive Data Language)and both are available to the Stanford community at a low cost through Software Licensing
Virtual Globe
	Google Earth is free for individual use and is a great program for visualizing imagery of the Earth. Personal geospatial data can be added and additional functionality is available through the Plus and Pro versions at a low-cost price.
	NASA World Wind is a free 3D visualization tool linking to many NASA imagery sources, such as Landsat and MODIS satellite imagery and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)data.

3. Sites to find Scripts and other GIS tools

ESRI ArcScripts - Expand the power of GIS with many helpful scripts. and extensions
Directions Magazine - Free tools (extensions, translators, scripts, fonts, etc..) for many different GIS programs.
Spatial Online -A collection of ArcView extensions and applications.

ArcGIS Tools and Scripting Help

EasyCalculate
set of expressions for the ArcGIS field calculator
ET GeoWizards
A set of functions for ArcGIS 8.1 and above packed in a user friendly wizard-type interface that helps users manipulate data with ease.
MXD Defragmenter
reduce the size over overly large MXD files
Spatial Ecology
An extension for ArcGIS designed to automate and perform spatial analysis
functions that cannot be conveniently accomplished with out-of-the-box
ArcGIS
V-LATE
Vector-based Landscape Analysis Tools Extension.
XTools
contains useful vector spatial analysis, shape conversion and table management tools developed by the Oregon Department of Forestry

ArcView Tools

Spatial Tools ArcView ExtensionSpatial Tools is a collection of tools for Raster/Grid data. Its menus, tools, and buttons provide access to various spatial modeling and analysis capabilities such as: clipping, mosaicking, merging grids, resolution alteration, data clean-up and spatial analysis. Note: Spatial Analyst must be loaded simultaneously. Download from USGS.
Image to Map Transformer Utility
If you need to georeference .bmp or .jpg images (aerials) to a map in ArcView, use this extension available from Seminole County GIS.
ArcView Stream Digitizing ExtensionCreated to support on-screen (heads-up) digitizing of lines and polygons in stream mode
Spatial News
This page offers many ArcView scripts that can't be found anywhere else.
Piersson's ArcView Tools
Various ArcView scripts, extensions, and other goodies. Some are unique to this site.
Patch Analyst
ArcView extension facilitating the spatial analysis of landscape patches.

ArcInfo Tools

Costpath for ArcInfo Workstation
performs costpath analysis on a grid
Fragstats
Landscape Structure and Spatial Pattern Analysis

General GIS Tools

Unit Conversion
This site will calculate conversions for Distance, Area, Volume and more
Convert between Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds and Latitude and Longitude with this online converter.
Geographic/UTM Coordinate Converter
ArcView Metadata Collector
Provides a dialog for creating FGDC compliant metadata for most data types supported by ArcView.
Symbol Page for ArcView and ArcInfo
Custom Symbol, Marker, Fill, Font, Icon or Color palettes.
GeoJava Corner
A list of GeoJava-related sites and Java programming resources.
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) zone map
State Plane Coordinate System Map
GIS touches almost every part of our everyday life - often without a map in sight. This site will take you thorugh what GIS is, How it is used and then puts you in the hot seat actually using it to solve problems - Ordnance Suvey mapzone

Help for Python Scripting with ArcGIS

Python is one of the most user-friendly programming languages available today. It is open source, runs on just about every platform, and can be used to program many kinds of GIS software, including many ESRI products.
Books

Python in a Nutshell
Learning Python
Python Essential Reference
Python Cookbook – A collection of the Python “recipes” that were gathered here: http://aspn.activestate.com/ASPN/Python/Cookbook/
Dive into Python – The text is completely online here: http://www.diveintopython.org/

Websites
A Guide to the Python Universe for ESRI
The official website for the Python language

Antique Maps

2007-04-14T01:25:00.000-07:00

Maps in the Human History

The map is one of the oldest forms of nonverbal communication. Humans were probably drawing maps before they were writing texts

A map is a graphic representation or scale model of spatial concepts. It is a means for conveying geographic information. Maps are a universal medium for communication, easily understood and appreciated by most people, regardless of language or culture.

Are maps realistic representations of the actual world? No--never! Field measurements are subject to errors of accuracy and precision.A map can display only a few selected features, which are portrayed usually in highly symbolic styles according to some kind of classification scheme. In these ways, all maps are estimations, generalizations, and interpretations of true geographic conditions.

As far as historians and geographers can determine, every culture in every part of the world uses and makes maps. This deep lineage reflects the descriptive usefulness of a map—a map is one of the best proofs that a “picture is worth a thousand words.”

The variety of roles that maps play is astonishing. While one map might provide a simple portrait of place and a record of the contemporary landscape, another will be intentionally designed as a commercial census of the people and resources of a place. Yet another offers a glimpse into the fanciful imagination or the great artistry of the mapmaker. Sometimes a single map offers all these insights at once. To look at a historical map is to step into the past; to look at an old map is also to see the world as it would have been seen by the elites, the government, the military, or the navigators of the day.

Old maps provide much information about what was known in times past, as well as the philosophy and cultural basis of the map, which were often much different from modern cartography. The quest to map the world represents the quest to map the soul, to discover and explore the very limits of human potential.

Man has mapped the heavens from the first moment he turned his gaze upward towards the celestial sphere. There, in the unfathomable vastness of space, he found both gods and devils, truth and mystery. Upon the starry sky, and its uncounted denizens -stars, comets, moons and planets- man imprinted his greatest hopes hates and fears. The skies he peopled with his memories and his wildest imaginings. Now, as modern science has broken the barrier of the firmament and taken us even unto the moon, we reach our aspirations ever higher and farther, into the unknown realms that mapmakers populated with dreams…

Cartography is the art and science of making maps. The oldest known maps are preserved on Babylonian clay tablets from about 2300 B.C.In the great age of numbers and statistics following the Enlightenment (17th – 19th Centuries) men of learning and distinction saw, through the compilation of all human knowledge, a road unto heaven itself. The composition of an accurate world map was one of great way-stations on this noble progression.

Europe, the beating heart and soul of western civilization, home to the great ancient empires of Greece and Rome, and home of the nomadic invaders that destroyed them. Here, the socio-cultural background developed that would eventually birth modern science, and send its navigators to the four corners of the Earth in search of new lands, treasures and peoples. During the period when many of our maps were designed, European powers stood astride the world like colossuses, and it is through these eyes that the cartographers gazed…

Antique Map Gallery

I just happend to find this interesting site Geographicus who have large collection of fine and rare antiquarian cartography and historic maps of the 15th though 19th centuries. A large inventory of authentic antique maps are available here in thier online gallery for study and enjoyment. Geographicus Rare Antique Maps, are passionate collectors and students of historic maps as well as dealers. As you browse our online gallery of rare maps you will enjoy some of the highest resolution images and most thoroughly researched studies of thier individual offerings available anywhere.

What could be a better gift for any historian, traveler, or patriot than a magnificent map of their favorite place, from their favorite era?. Antique Maps are great gifts and perfect decorative additions to any home or office. They are compelling objects that instantly grab people’s attention and transport them to a different time and place.

Visit Geographicus for Rare Antique Maps

Official Google Blog: Map-making: So easy a caveman could do it

2007-04-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

Official Google Blog: Map-making: So easy a caveman could do it

Useful links to Geostatistics

2007-03-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

Statistical techniques and procedures are applied in all fields of academic research; wherever data are collected and summarized or wherever any numerical information is analyzed or research is conducted, statistics are needed for sound analysis and interpretation of results.

Geographers use statistics in numerous ways:

To describe and summarize spatial data.
To make generalizations concerning complex spatial patterns.
To estimate the probability of outcomes for an event at a given location.
To use samples of geographic data to infer characteristics for a larger set of geographic data (population).
To determine if the magnitude or frequency of some phenomenon differs from one location to another.
To learn whether an actual spatial pattern matches some expected pattern.

These Links provides useful Literatute and fundamentals of Geostatistics

[ Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geostatistics"]

Gamma Design Software - Geostatistics for the Environmental Science

Provides description of geostatistics including examples of software useful for quantifying spatial relationships and drawing maps. GS++ is the popular geostatistics software used by the scientists world over. A rich, fast and intuitive platform for both new and experienced geostatistics users.

Books on Geostatistics

Few useful links for GIS and GPS

2007-03-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

Overview of GIS
Introduction : Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer based information system used to digitally represent and analyse the geographic features present on the Earth' surface and the events (non-spatial attributes linked to the geography under study) that taking place on it. The meaning to represent digitally is to convert analog (smooth line) into a digital form. "Every object present on the Earth can be geo-referenced", is the fundamental key of associating any database to GIS. Here, term 'database' is a collection of information about things and their relationship to each other, and 'geo-referencing' refers to the location of a layer or coverage in space defined by the co-ordinate referencing system. Work on GIS began in late 1950s, but first GIS software came only in late 1970s from the lab of the ESRI. Canada was the pioneer in the development of GIS as a result of innovations dating back to early 1960s. Much of the credit for the early development of GIS goes to Roger Tomilson. Evolution of GIS has transformed and revolutionized the the ways in which planners, engineers, managers etc. conduct the database management and analysis.

Some Interesting Links :

http://www.gisdevelopment.net/tutorials/tuman006pf.htm

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ORNIS Georeferencing Guidelines4

This document contains information about assigning geographic coordinates, and maximum error distances for those coordinates, to locality descriptions. This document does not attempt to describe the tools and methods for finding named places on maps or in gazetteers. The process of assigning coordinates and errors, called "georeferencing" or "geocoding", can be rather complicated. The complexity of the process can be greatly reduced and the consistency of the results can be greatly increased by establishing some guidelines that cover most commonly encountered locality descriptions. The guidelines for assigning geographic coordinates are presented, with examples.

http://manisnet.org/GeorefGuide.html
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The GIS History Project

AbstractThe GIS History Project was launched in 1996, to attempt to foster and coordinate research on the history of GIS. The Project plans to establish an archive for published, semi-published, and unpublished documents about the early history of GIS. Interviews will be conducted with key individuals, and where possible, will be recorded, transcribed, and archived. The project will also study these materials, looking for evidence of the influences of technical, social, and institutional contexts on innovation in early GIS, and in the diffusion of those innovations. Of particular interest will be the degree on independent re-invention or rediscovery of key ideas, a phenomenon that may be under-played in the literature because of the tendency to claim prior knowledge when it is later discovered that someone else had already come up with the idea. Five case studies have been identified for high priority research: The GBF-DIME files of the US Bureau of the Census; the Harvard Laboratory for Computer Graphics and Spatial Analysis; the Minnesota land Management Information System; Triangulated Irregular Networks for terrain representation; and a comparative study of ESRI and Intergraph, focusing on corporate cultures. This paper presents an overview of The GIS History Project, the methodological framework for the research, the justification for the choice of high priority case studies, and a progress report on the Project in general and the case studies in particular.

http://www.ncgia.buffalo.edu/gishist/bar_harbor.html

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GIS RESOURCES

This web page provides links to online material that may be mentioned in classes. This list is primarily provided for students Totonto University, although others might find it useful. It is by no means exhaustive.

http://www.geog.utoronto.ca/info/facweb/Boyes/GIS/Weblinks_Theory.htm

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Links to Online Education Sites for Geeographic Information Systems

http://www.gisdevelopment.net/Education/online/index.htm

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Basics of GPS

First of all GPS stands for Global Positioning System and usually refers to the GPS receiver. The receiver basically receives the signals incoming from constellation of 27 satellites which are orbiting the Earth (actually there are only 24 satellites that are operational and 3 additional for backup in case one of the 24 fails) and from those signals can calculate it’s absolute position on Earth. This satellite system was developed by the U.S. military and after a while U.S. government opened it up for public. Those satellites are circling the Earth making two complete rotations every day. Their orbits are planned the way that at any time and anywhere on Earth there are at least four satellites “visible” in the sky. A GPS receiver locates four or more satellites from the signals those satellites send constantly towards the Earth, calculates the distance to each of the satellites and from this information calculates its’ absolute location on Earth. This process of pinpointing the location of the GPS receiver is based on mathematical principle called trilateration.

Shop BrickHouseSecurity.com: GPS Tracking | Hidden Cameras | Covert Spy Devices

Rand McNally — the most trusted name on the map.

2007-02-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

Rand McNally & Company offers the most trusted tools to discover, map and navigate your world. Rand McNally dominates the mapping, routing, geographic reference, and trip-planning tool marketplace.

Founded in 1856 and headquartered in Skokie, IL, just outside of Chicago, Rand McNally has been guiding travelers for more than 150 years with our map and travel products. Today we offer a wide variety of maps and map-related products and accessories for travel, navigation, reference, business, education, and decoration.

Rand McNally's online store offers:

Maps
GPS Products and Accessories
Road Atlases
Street Atlases
Custom Wall Maps
Software

Our great selection of distinctive gifts such as globes, atlases, and kids' products provides additional consumer benefit.

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The NEW Rand McNally GPS Navigator is simple enough for everyone to use. Get FREE SHIPPING for a limited time!

GPS that is simple enough for everyone to use. The Rand McNally GPS Navigator is the first portable navigation device from the most trusted name on the map. Rand McNally combined 150 years of expertise in maps with cutting edge technology to create the new GPS Navigator.
The Rand McNally GPS Navigator is the only system available with both paper maps and a portable navigation device. You get the big picture an atlas provides and turn-by-turn GPS navigation in one box.
Unique features:

Simple, intuitive, and easy-to-use system with preloaded maps of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for voice-guided door-to-door routing
Portable and lightweight design takes less space on the dashboard or in your purse or briefcase
26 Best of the Road™ trip itineraries with suggested attractions, restaurants, and shops selected by Rand McNally's award-winning editorial staff

The Rand McNally Store features maps and navigational accessories for all your travel needs. Shop Now!

Find Earth Science books from largest online marketplace for Books

2007-02-14T02:14:00.000-08:00

Buy textbooks for less at Abebooks.com

AbeBooks is the world's largest online marketplace for books. Whether it’s new, used, rare, or out-of-print, it can be found here, through our community of over 13,000 independent booksellers from around the globe. In AbeBooks’ inventory of over 100 million books, readers find bestsellers, collectors find rare books, students find textbooks, and bargain hunters find books discounted up to 90%.

AbeBooks at-a-glance

- Based in Victoria, B.C., Canada, Düsseldorf, Germany and Oviedo, Spain
- Incorporated in 1995. Website launched 1996.
- More than 100 million titles listed.
- Over 13,500 bookseller members.
- Booksellers pay a subscription fee to list their books.
- Monthly subscription rates range from $25 to $300 USD, depending on the number of books listed.
- 120 employees and growing

By creating a secure and easy-to-search database and maintaining high standards, AbeBooks has established a dynamic online marketplace for books, and a community that booklovers return to, again and again.

Testimonials

“Students can save about 60 percent to 70 percent of a book's price if they purchase a book's international edition.”Washington Times - August 2006

“Skipping the U.S. edition and buying international instead can save big money.”Minneapolis Star Tribune - August 2006

“Buying international versions of textbooks could save in some cases up to 90 percent of the U.S. retail price.”Washington Post - July 2006

80 million books from around the corner and around the world are at your
fingertips, online @ abebooks.com

Want to find books on Spatial Science?

Click the any banner or link
A search window opens
Search by entering 'book title', 'Author name', or 'ISBN Number'.
Try Key words like - GIS, Spatial Science, Digital Image Processing, GPS,Earth Science, Environmental Science,Geoscience, Cartography, geography,Geological Science etc..

ITC's GIS software ILWIS migrates to open source

2007-02-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

ILWIS

ILWIS 3.3 - the Remote Sensing and GIS software -

ILWIS integrates image, vector and thematic data in one unique and powerful package on the desktop. The Integrated Land and Water Information System (ILWIS, http://www.itc.nl/ilwis/default.asp) is a PC-based GIS & Remote Sensing software, developed by ITC. ILWIS comprises a complete package of image processing, spatial analysis and digital mapping. It is easy to learn and use; it has full on-line help, extensive tutorials for direct use in courses and 25 case studies of various disciplines.

ILWIS software is renowned for its functionality, user-friendliness and low cost, and has established a wide user community over the years of its development. Even after its last release in 2005, its user community remained vivid, both within and outside ITC, however without a common base for further system development.

In order to create better opportunities for the reuse and deployment of GIS functionality in a wider community, the ITC directorate has recently decided to make current ILWIS software free of charge and to migrate it as such to open source software under the 52°North initiative.
52°North is an open initiative that advances the development of cutting edge open source geospatial software. Leading research organizations in the field of geoinformatics (ifgi, conterra, ITC, ESRI) participate in 52°North's innovative development for establishing open spatial data infrastructures (SDI) and transformation of these into practical technological solutions. 52°North uses the GPL license, which implies that newly developed software should be open source as well. More information can be found at www.52north.org/. Until July 1st 2007 new users are required to pay license costs in order to use ILWIS after the 1 month free trial period.

After July 1st 2007 new users can obtain ILWIS without any license costs.

Key features

Integrated raster and vector design
Import and export of widely used data formats
On-screen and tablet digitizing
Comprehensive set of image processing tools
Orthophoto, image georeferencing, transformation and mosaicing
Advanced modeling and spatial data analysis
3D visualization with interactive editing for optimal view findings
Rich projection and coordinate system library
Geo-statisitical analyses, with Kriging for improved interpolation
Production and visualization of stereo image pairs
Spatial Multiple Criteria Evaluation

For more please visit http://www.itc.nl/ilwis/
© ITC 2007

National Geographic: International Edition Magazine

2007-01-21T23:28:00.000-08:00

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National Geographic's International Edition is more than a magazine: it's a membership in the renowned National Geographic Society. This is an ongoing adventure that will allow you to explore the diversity of our planet's lands and inhabitants in stories ranging from the treehouse people of remote Irian Jaya to the worldwide information revolution. In addition to National Geographic's International Edition, you'll receive as many as five wall map supplements throughout the year in issues of the magazine, a personalized Membership Certificate and a brief history of the Society, and the satisfaction of supporting important worldwide research, exploration, and geography education. This edition available for subscribers outside the United States and Canada! 12 Issues per year.

National Geographic Magazine is in a class of its own with an editorial focus that spans the globe, probing the farthest reaches of the universe.

National Geograpic Magazine is a great magazine to have in your personal book rack or in the library of your office, university,college,institute, or even in school. To subscribe click this banner below. A new window opens. In the list down menu select National Geographic. Then click the link - 'click here for international Delivery'

Also at the same time you can subscribe for Natural History Magazine which provides a natural, cultural and historical perspective on our world. The editorial approach of Natural History is ecological and evolutionary, with a strong emphasis on scientific validity.

Natural History covers the subjects of biological sciences, adventure travel, environmental issues, anthropology, earth science and astronomy. Natural History is a beautiful magazine that transforms the natural sciences into fascinating reading and spectacular color photography. Now Available for Delivery WorldWide!

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Visit this link for Well Compiled question and answer on GIS Technologies and Remote Sensing:

http://www.get-best.com/IT_Interview_Questions/earth-sciences.htm

What is Maps?

2007-01-20T02:58:00.000-08:00

The map is one of the oldest forms of nonverbal communication. Humans were probably drawing maps before they were writing texts

A map is a graphic representation or scale model of spatial concepts. It is a means for conveying geographic information. Maps are a universal medium for communication, easily understood and appreciated by most people, regardless of language or culture.

http://www.autopilotriches.com/app/?af=541285

Learn2Map GIS Tutorial and Downloadable Maps.

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Here I would like to introduce you to an online gallery of antique maps and prints. Here at Geographicus you can http://www.geographicus.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=G&Affiliate=Shreeharsha

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Subscribe to National Geographic Magazine and Save Money!!!!
Click this banner, a new window opens. in the search box type National Geographic and you are done

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Bottom Item--

Did you Know?

Sumo wrestling is the top spectator sport in Japan. Wrestlers typically weigh over 330 pounds.

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Your Great source for Geography curriculum,atlases,maps and much more...

2007-01-15T07:13:00.000-08:00

Geography is a subject that is easy to teach and fun to study. All you need is a good atlas, some simple outline maps, and whatever curriculum you are already using for history and science. Science? If you’re thinking there may be an error here, let me set you straight – yes, science! You see, geography is much more than simply knowing WHERE a place is located on a map or memorizing states and capitals.Let’s take a look at the definition as stated by the National Geographic Society:Geography: A knowledge of place names, location of cultural and physical features, distribution and patterns of languages, religions and physical phenomena, such as tectonic activity, land form, climate, bodies of water, soils and flora and fauna. The changes in places and areas through time, including how people have modified the environment. Cartographers’ tools, such as maps, instruments, graphs and statistics, are also a part of geography.Since the study of geography has so many facets you can easily integrate it into your current curriculum. When studying plate tectonics, erosion, volcanoes or weather in science, pull out an outline map and let your student depict the details of what you are learning on it. Weather maps are interesting project to develop and so are see-through layered maps, made with clear plastic overhead projector sheets. Layer each sheet on top of the next exposing a different theme. It’s great fun to make a salt dough map of the area you are studying in history.Outline maps provide practical hands-on learning experiences for your students. Here are just few of many ideas to get you started:

Draw explorer’s maps
Record Biblical events on a map of Israel or the Middle East.

Depict world empires on maps of Europe, Ancient Civilizations, etc.Use maps whenever possible. From making vacation plans to reading the newspaper or watching the evening news there are always opportunities to look up a place in an atlas. Seeing the place depicted on a map often improves the understanding of the event about which you are learning. Ask questions of your students to develop their skills of observation and their ability to draw conclusions. Do the physical features of the place play any role in the news event reported? What countries (or states) border the one in question? What do you suppose is the main source of water or this community? Label them on your map.Here are some important helpful hints to make adding a mapping assignment to your school day beneficial.

http://www.autopilotriches.com/app/?af=541285

Make sure your atlas is adequate and appropriate for the student’s level and the assignment given. Does your student know how to use the atlas? A quick lesson will help alleviate frustration. Often good information on using the atlas is in the front of the atlas itself.)
Use color coding with colored pencil, or colored pens to help clarify ages of history types of mineral deposits, elevations in physical geography, etc.
Sit with your student the first few times and encourage him with your help and direction.
Allow plenty of time to get the job done right.

Show off your student’s maps whenever possible and praise him for his efforts.Using the National Geographic Society definition of geography to enlighten your understanding of geography, challenge yourself to find creative "geography moments" throughout the school day. Your students will have and edge in understanding world affairs as they develop a fuller knowledge of geography.

http://www.autopilotriches.com/app/?af=541285

Did you Know?
The Sahara Desert is almost the same size as the entire United States.

Shreeharsha

Books,Books & Books ...Lowest Price

2007-01-15T02:49:00.000-08:00

AbeBooks is the world's largest online marketplace for books. Whether it’s new, used, rare, or out-of-print, it can be found here, through our community of over 13,000 independent booksellers from around the globe. In AbeBooks’ inventory of over 100 million books, readers find bestsellers, collectors find rare books, students find textbooks, and bargain hunters find books discounted up to 90%.

To Search your favourite book

Click on the links or banners below
In the search window you can search by entering either Authour's name,Title,Key word, or ISBN No.
Try Key words like, GIS, Spatial Science, Cartography, Earth Science, Geography, etc

Free Shipping on select books At Abebooks! No Minimum Purchase

Abebooks en Español, el sitio de libros escritos en español y sus autores

80 million books from around the corner and around the world are at your
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Buy textbooks for less at Abebooks.com

World Sites Atlas

2007-01-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

World Sites Atlas features maps of world regions, countries, states, and cities, plus hotels, destination guides, facts, useful links, photos, and more.

Information on countries, provinces, states, and cities, including facts, maps, hotels, and links.
Colorful and accurate maps of world regions, countries, Canadian provinces, and U.S. states. We design accurate, attractive, and inexpensive digital maps for websites and documents. Book hotels, vacation rentals, flights, rental cars, and cruises at special low rates right now! Get detailed and helpful travel information for thousands of destinations around the globe. See why the Open Directory is the biggest and best web directory out there.

Click Here!
http://aditi1007.sitesatlas.hop.clickbank.net/

GIS Tutorial and Downloadable Maps.

2007-01-12T05:23:00.000-08:00

Learn2Map GIS Tutorial and Downloadable Maps.

Are you new to GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and mapping?
Would you like to learn what it is all about and learn how to create your own maps?
Would you like to begin a new professional career?

Our online Learn2MapTM Tutorial and Atlas is designed to give you a quick-start introduction to the basics of GIS.
In just a few minutes you can begin to learn how to create sophisticated maps. The easy-to-follow step-by-step distance learning online tutorial is based on free resources. There is nothing else to purchase. All you need to begin mapping today is the Learn2MapTM Tutorial and Atlas.

What You Will Learn ?

Our easy-to-follow step-by-step Learn2MapTM Tutorial and Atlas will show you how to:

Download free map layers Create a GIS project with ArcExplorer (free)

Open and view the layers of GIS project

Navigate and query your maps

Change colors and attributes

Add additional layers and create a map project (layers include streets, highways, cities, census tracts and data, school districts, rivers and streams and much more)

Distribute your maps to others

Gain access to free maps and resources (list constantly updated).

Find free GIS and GPS tutorials (list constantly updated). And more

Click here Learn2Map GIS Tutorial and Downloadable Maps .

Please note that the Learn2MapTM Tutorial and Atlas is based on free resources. You will not pay anything additional to learn how to use the program or for any maps.

Shreeharsha Hegde

Learn2Map GIS Tutorial and Downloadable Maps
http://aditi1007.meuser.hop.clickbank.net

Few Applications of GIS

2007-01-03T22:11:00.000-08:00

Geographic information system technology can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, asset management, Environmental Impact Assessment, Urban planning, cartography, and route planning. For example, a GIS might allow emergency planners to easily calculate emergency response times in the event of a natural disaster, or a GIS might be used to find wetlands that need protection from pollution.

Geographic information systems have emerged in the last decade as an essential tool for urban and resource planning and management. Their capacity to store, retrieve, analyse, model and map large areas with huge volumes of spatial data has led to an extraordinary proliferation of applications. Geographic information systems are now used for land use planning, utilities management, ecosystems modelling, landscape assessment and planning, transportation and infrastructure planning, market analysis, visual impact analysis, facilities management, tax assessment, real estate analysis and many other applications.

Functionalities of GIS

Functions of GIS include:

Data entry or Data creation
Data display
Data management
Information retrieval and analysis

A more comprehensive and easy way to define GIS is the one that looks at the disposition, in layers of its data sets. "Group of maps of the same portion of the territory, where a given location has the same coordinates in all the maps included in the system". This way, it is possible to analyse its thematic and spatial characteristics to obtain a better knowledge of this zone.

Data Creation

Geospatial data has both spatial and thematic components.
Conceptually, geographic data can be broken up in two elements: observation or entity and attribute or variable. GIS have to be able to manage both elements.
Spatial component: The observations have two aspects in its localisation: absolute localisation based in a coordinates system and topological relationship referred to other observations. Example: The ITC, Enschede is located at the particular coordinate X,Y, or, The ITC is located on Hengelosestraat Road, Near Enschede Railway station. A GIS is able to manage both while computer assisted cartography packages only manage the absolute one.
Thematic component: The variables or attributes can be studied considering the thematic aspect (statistics), the locational aspect (spatial analysis) or both (GIS).

Cont..

What is GIS?

2007-01-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems

GIS is a mapping technology that allows the user to create and interact with a variety of maps and data sources.

A GIS is a computer system capable of capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced information; that is, data identified according to location. Practitioners also define a GIS as including the procedures, operating personnel, and spatial data that go into the system. In a more generic sense, GIS is a tool that allows users to create interactive queries (user created searches), analyze the spatial information, and edit data. Geographic information science is the science underlying the applications and systems, taught as a degree program by several universities.

GIS integrates databases with georeferenced spatial data (maps tied to specific known locations). In other words GIS allows the user to create visual displays of tabular information. In a GIS the user is able to decide how the data will be displayed. GIS projects can range from global projects to site specific (such as a school and schoolyard). Educators and their students can collect and create their own data and uste the GIS to display the data and analyze the results.

Definitions of GIS on the Web:

Analysis that combine relational databases with spatial interpretation and outputs often in form of maps. A more elaborate definition is that of computer programmes for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, analysing and displaying data about the earth that is spatially referenced.www.adrc.or.jp/publications/terminology/top.htm

A computer system designed to allow users to collect, manage and analyze large volumes of spatially referenced information and associated attribute data.www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/library/documents/glossary/G.htm

Geographic Information Systemswww.st.com/stonline/press/news/glossary/g.htm

Geographic information system. An organized collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data, and personnel designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display all forms of geographically referenced information.www.fws.gov/data/IMADS/glossary.htm

A computer system designed for storing, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying data in a geographic context.www.nsc.org/ehc/glossary.htm

In Canada, a supplemental monthly benefit available to Old Age Security (OAS) recipients who receive less income than a stated amount.www.1stinsured.com/g.htm

Gas Imaging Spectrometer. A type of detector on ASCA. There are two GISs called GIS2 and GIS3.ledas-www.star.le.ac.uk/asca/asca_glossary.html

GIS is a computer system capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, and displaying geographically referenced information (ie spatial data).commpres.env.state.ma.us/content/glossary.asp

Geographic Information System (ie Computerized Mapping). www.kentonpva.com/htm/glossary2.htm

Geographic Information System: A system of computer hardware, software and data for collecting, storing, analyzing and disseminating information about areas of the earth. For land transportation purposes, GIS is defined as a highway network (spatial data which graphically represents the geometry of the highways, ie, an electronic map) and its geographically referenced component attributes (road and bridge data, socioeconomic data, etc. ...www.oahutrans2k.com/info/glossary/G.htm

Geographical Information Servicescalview.casil.ucdavis.edu/glossary.html

Computer-based methods of recording, analyzing, combining, and displaying geographic information such as roads, streams, stand or habitat types, sensitive areas, soil types, or any other feature that can be mapped on the ground. GIS are especially useful in management planning and land-use decisions on a landscape scale.www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/ssfor11.htm

Computer programs linking features commonly seen on maps (such as roads, town boundaries, water bodies) with related information not usually presented on maps, such as type of road surface, population, type of agriculture, type of vegetation, or water quality information. A GIS is a unique information system in which individual observations can be spatially referenced to each other. Goalwww.water.ncsu.edu/watershedss/info/rcwp/gloss.html

(Geographic Information System) A system of mapping software that integrates the collection, management and analysis of geographic data. This can be used to display the results of data queries as maps and analyse spatial distribution of data.www.quartix.net/schools/glossary.htm

Geographic Information System, joins electronic files (databases) containing environmental measurements taken at a specific location, to maps showing geographic features. This approach allows scientists to show large amounts of data from specific locations on a map showing landscape features such as wetlands and land use. 2) A computer system that links geographic reference data to attribute datasets, with the capability to display features and analytical outcomes on maps. ...response.restoration.noaa.gov/cpr/watershed/calcasieu/calc_html/resources/glossary.html

A mapping system that uses computers to collect, store, manipulate, analyze, and display data. For example, GIS can show the concentration of a contaminant within a community in relation to points of reference such as streets and homes (ATSDR 2003). www.racteam.com/LANLRisk/Glossary.htm

Geographic Information System, a computer-based graphics program that allows the superposition of plan-maps of thematic elements, such as roads, rivers, land use patterns, and the like to aid in local or regional planning activities. www.geog.ubc.ca/courses/g102/Resources/G102Glossary.html

A computer based system used to input, store, retrieve, and analyze geographic data sets. The GIS is usually composed of map-like spatial representations called layers which contain information on a number of attributes such as elevation, land ownership and use, crop yield and soil nutrient levels.www.bae.uky.edu/~precag/PrecisionAg/PAterms.htm

A computer hardware and software system designed to collect, manipulate, analyze, and display spatially referenced data for solving complex resource, environmental and social problems.www.edisonwetlands.org/resources/glossary.html

A computerized system that provides advanced capabilities for the processing and interpretation of spatial information from the real world. research.amnh.org/biodiversity/symposia/archives/seascapes/glossary.html

Computer-assisted systems that acquire, store, manipulate, and display geographic data. Some systems are not automated. (NASA) www.spaceforspecies.ca/glossary/g.htm

Geographic Information Systems. "Decision support system involving the integration of spatially referenced data in a problem solving environment (Cowen 1988)".fwie.fw.vt.edu/tws-gis/glossary.htm

A computer system capable of storing and manipulating spatial (ie, mapped) data.www.streamnet.org/pub-ed/ff/Glossary/glossaryhabitat.html

A geographic data base that contains information about the distribution of physical and human characteristics of places or areas. In order to test hypotheses, maps of one characteristics or combination can be produced from the database to analyze the data relationships. nde.learningoptions.net/standards/standss/geocont/geogloss.html

Geographical Information Systems organize information indexed by location, made possible by the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites and the computational systems www.isye.gatech.edu/~tg/publications/ecology/eolss/node2.html

A geographic information system (GIS) is a system for managing spatial data and associated attributes. In the strictest sense, it is a computer system capable of integrating, storing, editing, analyzing, and displaying geographically-referenced information. In a more generic sense, GIS is a "smart map" tool that allow users to create interactive queries (user created searches), analyze the spatial information, and edit data. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gis

The Algerian Special Forces (French Groupe d'Intervention Spécial, hence GIS) is a special forces group created in Algeria in 1987, initially with 300 members. In addition to the "commando-style" training typical of Western forces like the French COS, Russian Spetnaz, or parachutists, they also receive "intervention" training, like that of the GIGN, RAID , SWAT or Spetnaz Alfa Brigade. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIS(Special_Forces)

GIS can refer to: * Geographic information system.* Geographic information science.* Guaranteed Income Supplement.* Gruppi di Intervento Speciale, the special forces unit of the Italian Carabinieri.* Google Image Search, the image finding capability of search engine Google.* Gas insulated switchgear for electric power distribution en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIS_(disambiguation)

History

GIS has evolved out of a long tradition of map making. In many respects, modern GIS dramatically increases the amount of information that can be contained and manipulated in a map. 35,000 years ago, on the walls of caves near Lascaux, France, Cro-Magnon hunters drew pictures of the animals they hunted. Associated with the animal drawings are track lines and tallies thought to depict migration routes. While simplistic in comparison to modern technologies, these early records mimic the two-element structure of modern geographic information systems, an image associated with attribute information.

Possibly the earliest use of the geographic method, a simplified representations of reality or simplified model of the reality is the Charles Joseph Minard's well-known map of Napoleon's 1812 campaign into Russia ( see figure). This map interprets multiple information themes on one map covering more than a very small area. As mentioned in Prof., Menno Jan Kraaks home page ( http://www.itc.nl/personal/kraak/) it is“possibly the best graphic ever made”“a narrative graphic of time and space which illustrates how multivariate complexity can be subtly integrated… so that viewers are hardly aware that they are looking into a world of four or five dimensions”

Another early work is the one made in 1854 by John Snow which depicted a cholera outbreak in London using points to represent the locations of individual cases. His study of the distribution of cholera led to the source of the disease, a contaminated water pump within the heart of the outbreak.

While the basic elements of topology and theme existed previously in cartography, the John Snow map was unique, using cartographic methods to depict clusters of a geographically dependent phenomena for the first time.

In the 1930s and 40s geographical analysis was conducted by overlaying different types of maps of the same area.Before the advent of computer technoogy, thematic maps on plastic Mylar sheets could be laid on top of each other, revealing more information about an area than was possible with any single paper map. This Mylar method was used for creating different overlays depicting landforms, soil types, vegetation patterns, and geomorphic features.Although the process was cumbersome and the amount of data limited, this method looks remarkably like the output of contemporary GIS; colored thematic maps were generated that aided in planning. Since the 1950s systems have evolved to convert this mapping into digital form and more recently to use this data for analysis and problem solving. Nowadays GIS is everywhere; you may even have some GIS software on your PC without even knowing it's there!

Cont....