Topic 1.3: Intro to GIS & Basic GIS Operations

Content

Topic Introduction

GIS is an extremely powerful tool, mainly because you can combine non-spatial data with geospatial data in order to perform powerful analysis. Here we will first simply introduce QGIS and get you familiar with the interface and capabilities of GIS programs.

After you have an understanding of the different datatypes and how they can be represented in GIS, we will dive into some simple analysis and query of data in GIS. We will do this by introducing you to some of the most common tools available in QGIS.

Self Check (For certificate learning only)

Self-check Quiz 1.3.1 – Intro to GIS

Quiz Questions:

What is a field-based spatial model?
What are the three main vector geometry types?
What is an attribute table?

Check Answers:

Instructions: Take the quiz by clicking Self-check Quiz 1.3.1 and compare your answer with the Model Answer after your attempt.

Self-check Quiz 1.3.2 - Basic GIS Operations

Quiz Questions:

What does the select by attribute tool do?
What does the simplify tool do?
What are overlays?

Check Answers:

Instructions: Take the quiz by clicking Self-check Quiz 1.3.2 and compare your answer with the Model Answer after your attempt.

Activities & Assignments (For certificate learning only)

Class Forum Topic 1.3

Follow detailed requirements in FODE009_Forum Post 1.3.docx Download FODE009_Forum Post 1.3.docx

to prepare your forum post for this week. For general participation and grading criteria, please see detailed descriptions under Modules > Graded Assignments > Class Forum Discussions page.

Assignment/Lab 2: Global Positioning Systems

Assignment/Lab 2 is due this week. Be sure to send in the assignment in Assignment 2 dropbox by 11:59pm on Friday this week this week

Assignment/Lab 3: Building Your Personal Geopackage

Start doing Assignment/Lab 3 for this week. For detailed instructions and grading criteria, please see detailed descriptions under Modules > Graded Assignments > Assignment 3 page. You may use FODE009_Assignment 3 Answer Sheet.docx Download FODE009_Assignment 3 Answer Sheet.docx

to put together your answers to the questions in the lab.

Topic Summary

Spatial data in GIS can be represented in vector or raster form. These can be held in a variety of different file formats including shapefiles, coverages, geodatabases and more. Vector and raster data each have their strengths and weakness, what datatype you decide to use could depend on what kind of analysis you are doing as well as what is available to you.

The tools available to you in QGIS allow you to query and analyze your geospatial data. In this course you should be familiar with and know how to use the define and re-project tool, the selection tools, the generalize tools, the overlay tools, the proximity analysis tools and the join tool. No data is perfect, so it is also important to conceptualize error, what causes it, and how it can be reduced.

Topic Self-review (For self learning)

Please use the reflection questions below as study guide to conduct self-review for the topic.

Self Review 1.3.1 – Intro to GIS

Compare and contrast vector and raster data.
Explain what non-spatial data is and why it is useful.
What is discrete vs. continuous raster data?

Self Review 1.3.2 – Basic GIS Operations

What is the difference between defining a projection and re-projecting?
List and explain some common overlay tools.
Explain what a capability and suitability analysis is.

FODE009