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GlobeThe GIS Integration and Development Program

GIS for Coastal Managers — More Information

GIS for Coastal Managers - More Information

More on GIS Software

Commercial off-the-shelf systems are generally easy to set up and use and have a number of support resources, but they are less easily customized because of their proprietary nature.

Open source systems are generally cheaper and easier to customize because their code is available to the public, but they lack the ease of use and support for less experienced users.

Desktop Software

Examples of commercial GIS products include ESRI ArcView and ArcGIS, IDRISI, Intergraph GeoMedia, Manifold System, MapInfo Professional, and Smallworld.

The most prevalent open source desktop GIS software is the Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS).

Web-Based GIS Software

The most common commercial off-the-shelf Web-based GIS software package is ESRI’s ArcIMS. Open source solutions include MapServer, MapLab, and Chameleon. More highly technical GIS users may choose Web-based GIS software to develop Web based applications for less technical end users.

Spatial Database Software


Spatial database software operates in conjunction with relational database management system (RDBMS) software, such as Oracle, SQLServer, Informix, DB2, and PostgreSQL. The most common commercial off-the-shelf spatial database software is ESRI’s ArcSDE. In addition, Oracle provides a spatial component to its RDBMS called Oracle Spatial. Users who prefer an open source solution to interface with PostgreSQL can use PostGIS.

More on GIS Data

File Formats

GIS software packages have their own proprietary file formats for the storage of spatial features, and the tools to convert between their formats as well as the most common formats available.

Internet Sources

Internet sources for coastal spatial data acquisition include search engines, existing lists and collections, and spatial data clearinghouses. Web-based mapping applications created using ArcIMS and MapServer are also a source for spatial data acquisition.

Metadata

Metadata is structured documentation for spatial data. The GIS I&D program has a dedicated metadata specialist who provides metadata training to assist coastal managers in metadata creation and subsequent posting to Internet clearinghouses. The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) administers the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM), which provides common terms, structure, and definitions for all metadata created within the U.S. The result is increased data sharing and collaboration between all coastal organizations.

More on GIS Hardware

Global Positioning System (GPS) units, digitizing tablets, and large format scanners are hardware peripherals that may be used for spatial data creation. Mapping-grade GPS units allow for the field-based capture of spatial features and associated (attribute) information with a high degree of accuracy. Digitizing tablets allow for the capture of spatial features from existing hardcopy maps and documents. Likewise, large format scanners can be utilized to bring hardcopy maps into the digital world for automated or manual data capture.


Function Hardware Peripherals
Spatial Data Creation
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) unit,
  • Digitizing tablet
  • Large format scanner
Spatial data storage needs will depend on the amount of data and their spatial extent and level of detail. The 100+ gigabyte-capacity fixed and removable hard drives available with many computers is sufficient for all but the largest image data sets. Network Attached Storage (NAS) provides larger, scalable data storage solutions at the organizational level, allowing for increased data access.
Function Hardware Peripherals
Spatial Data Storage
  • 100+ gigabyte fixed or removable hard drive
  • Networked Attached Storage
Map production can be accomplished through numerous hardware options. Many GIS software packages allow for large hardcopy map layouts to be tiled so that they can be printed as a series of 8 ½” x 11” pages on a simple color printer. Large format plotters allow for the creation of seamless maps at large sizes. Software is also available to allow for the creation of dynamic maps that can be served over the World Wide Web. This capability requires the implementation of an Internet server and a server for the creation of maps.
Function Hardware Peripherals
Map Production
  • Simple color printer
  • Large format plotter
  • Software for creating dynamic maps

Spatial analysis functions in a GIS can be computationally intensive, requiring a large amount of a computer’s resources. The minimal hardware requirements for many GIS software packages include a processor speed of greater than 1 gigahertz and more than 256 megabytes of RAM. Fortunately, the cost of desktop computing has decreased substantially in the past decade, and it is now possible to obtain a system with these resources for less than $1,000.

Visualization of spatial data and information is rapidly making the jump from two-dimensional maps to three-dimensional computer-based images and animations. These types of files require workstations with robust graphics cards containing a large amount of video memory (64 megabytes and greater).

Function

Recommendation

Spatial Analysis

1 Gigahertz processor with > 256 megabytes of RAM

 

Visualization

Robust graphics card with > 64 megabytes of video memory