Introduction to Geoinformatics

Geoinformatics is the science and the technology which develops and uses information science infrastructure to address the problems of geography, cartography, geosciences and related branches of science and engineering.

1. INTRODUCTION TO GEOINFORMATICS

2. Contents What is Geoinformatics ? Its fundamental aims Main tasks of it Branches of Geoinformatics

3. What is Geoinformatics / Geomatics Technology Geoinformatics is the science and the technology which develops and uses information science infrastructure to address the problems of geosciences and related branches of engineering It encompasses a collection of special techniques, technologies, and tools for the acquisition, processing, management, analysis, and presentation of geospatial data Geoinformatics is based on a range of synergetic activities including geospatial modeling, geospatial analysis, geospatial databases, geospatial technologies, information systems, systems design, spatial cognition, human-computer interaction, mobile computing, wired and wireless network technologies

4. Fundamental Aims of Geoinformatics Make maps Basic school atlases Study urban sprawl Archaeological data - Study patterns of cultural and economic exchanges Enable navigation - Car based navigation systems, military navigation Enable the humans to make decisions - Buying your house, best picnic spot etc. Enable urban management and development HA - Design of roads, bridges, communication and power networks - Waste disposal - Disaster Management Data understanding and analysis SU Data visualization – systems and algorithms

5. Main Tasks of Geoinformatics The main tasks are: Extract information and generate the data base relating to these parameters To forecast situations arising out of change in parameters To reach to centralized strategy and management plan at regional level Development & management of databases of geodata Analysis & management of geodata

6. Branches of Geoinformatics Following are the branches of it: Photogrammetry Surveying Cartography Remote Sensing Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Geographic Information System (GIS)

7. Photogrammetry Photos – light Gramma – to draw Metron – to measure Photogrammetry is defined as the science of obtaining reliable measurements, by the use of photographs, in order to determine characteristics such as size, shape and position of photographed objects The art, science and technology of obtaining reliable spatial information about physical objects and the environment through the processes of recording, measuring and interpreting image data

8. Types of Photogrammetry Aerial photography is the taking of photographs of the ground from an elevated position. The term usually refers to images in which the camera is not supported by a ground-based structure Close-range Photogrammetry the camera is close to the subject and is typically hand held or on a tripod Terrestrial using photographs taken on the ground with the camera usually pointing in a horizontal direction Industrial & Scientific an adaptation of terrestrial techniques to small distances, the camera set at any suitable angle

9. Surveying Oldest branch of geoinformatics Pioneered by Egyptians Equipment Old (Tapes, Chains, Sextants, Tacheometer ) New (Theodolite, Auto Levels, Total Stations) Old New

10. Photogrammetric Surveying Mainly of two types: Aerial Terrestrial Aerial: With the use of a camera positioned in an airplane Terrestrial (on ground): Reconnaissance, triangulation and camera work

11. Cartography The science and art of making maps It is the design and production of maps, or visual representations of spatial data The vast majority of modern cartography is done with the help of computers, usually using GIS but production of quality cartography is also achieved by importing layers into a design program to refine it. Most GIS software gives the user substantial control over the appearance of the data Cartographic work serves two major functions: First, it produces graphics on the screen or on paper that convey the results of analysis to the people who make decisions about resources. Wall maps and other graphics can be generated, allowing the viewer to visualize and thereby understand the results of analyses or simulations of potential events Second , other database information can be generated for further analysis or use. An example would be a list of all addresses within one mile (1.6 km) of a toxic spill

12. Remote Sensing Remote sensing is a method of obtaining information about the properties of an object without coming into physical contact with it Most popular remote sensing device: eyes Satellite remote sensing Aerial remote sensing Laser remote sensing

13. Global Positioning System (GPS) The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based Navigation system developed and operated by the US Department of Defense GPS is the shortened form of NAVSTAR GPS. This is an acronym for NAVigation System with Time And Ranging Global Positioning System GPS uses constellation of 24 satellites to determine the accurate three- dimensional position of the user on the earth

14. Segments of GPS Space Segment GPS Satellite constellation composed of 24 operational satellites in space Control Segment The control segment comprises of 5 ground stations located on equator. This information is sent back to the satellites using ground antennas User Segment The User Segment consists of all earth-based GPS receivers. The user segment is totally user community, both civilian and military

15. Geographic Information System (GIS) “ A system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analyzing and displaying data which are spatially referenced to the Earth. This is normally considered to involve a spatially referenced computer database and appropriate applications software ” Thus GIS is a set of tools for Collecting Storing Manipulating Retrieving Transforming and Display of Spatial Data from the Real World

16. Conclusion Geonformatics has at its core the technologies supporting the processes of acquiring, analyzing and visualizing spatial data It combines geospatial analysis and modeling, development of geospatial databases, information systems design, human-computer interaction and both wired and wireless networking technologies Geoinformatics uses Geocomputation and Geovisualization for analyzing G eoinformation