| Hardware |
| Hardware comprises the equipment needed to support the many activities of GIS ranging from data collection to data analysis. The central piece of equipment is the workstation, which runs the GIS software and is the attachment point for ancillary equipment. Data collection efforts can also require the use of a digitizer for conversion of hard copy data to digital data and a GPS data logger to collect data in the field. The use of handheld field technology is also becoming an important data collection tool in GIS. With the advent of web-enabled GIS, web servers have also become an important piece of equipment for GIS. |
| Software |
| Different software packages are important for GIS. Central to this is the GIS application package. Such software is essential for creating, editing and analyzing spatial and attribute data, therefore these packages contain a myriad of GIS functions inherent to them. Extensions or add-ons are software that extends the capabilities of the GIS software package. For example, Xtools is an ArcView extension that adds more editing capabilities to ArcView 3.x. Component GIS software is the opposite of application software. Component GIS seeks to build software applications that meet a specific purpose and thus are limited in their spatial analysis capabilities. Utilities are stand-alone programs that perform a specific function. For example, a file format utility that converts from on type of GIS file to another. There is also web-GIS software that helps serve data through Internet browsers. |
| Data |
| Data is the core of any GIS. There are two primary types of data that are used in GIS. A geodatabase is a database that is in some way referenced to locations on the earth. Geodatabases are grouped into two different types: vector and raster. Coupled with this data is usually data known as attribute data. Attribute data generally defined as additional information, which can then be tied to spatial data. Documentation of GIS datasets is known as metadata. |
| People |
| Well-trained people knowledgeable in spatial analysis and skilled in using GIS software are essential to the GIS process. There are three factors to the people component: education, career path, and networking. The right education is key; taking the right combination of classes. Selecting the right type of GIS job is important. A person highly skilled in GIS analysis should not seek a job as a GIS developer if they haven't taken the necessary programming classes. Finally, continuous networking with other GIS professionals is essential for the exchange of ideas as well as a support community. |
- History
- Needs
1989 IL Rt. 2, South
Oregon, IL 61061
815-732-2851
gis@oglecounty.org