Introduction to Geoinformatics

INTRODUCTION TO GEOINFORMATICS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Geoinformation

Introduction to Geoinformatics

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