This module introduced you to GIS
and ArcGIS Desktop software. A GIS is a computer-based tool for getting
information that can be used to make decisions and solve problems. ArcGIS
Desktop is a scalable GIS software product used to interact with maps, data,
and tools. Listed below are key points you should remember.
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A GIS organizes and stores
information about the world as a collection of thematic layers. Each
layer contains features with the same shape and attributes, all located
within a common geographic area.
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Each feature is assigned a
unique numerical identifier and is characterized by a unique location in
space and a corresponding record in a table.
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Features can be stored in a
GIS as three primary shapes: points, lines, or polygons.
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Features have spatial
relationships with other features, and with a GIS you can find features
based on their spatial relationships.
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The geographic inquiry
process provides a framework for solving problems with GIS. |
Review questions
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How is a GIS map different
from a static map?
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What is one way you can get
information about a feature using ArcGIS Desktop software?
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What are the primary
operations that a GIS can perform that make it a useful tool for solving
problems?
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What are the five steps in
the geographic inquiry process?
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The dynamic nature of
a GIS map makes it different from a static map. In a GIS, map
features are linked to a database of information. You can pan,
zoom, get information about features, control feature display,
and change how they're symbolized.
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You can use the
Identify tool to click a map feature and see its attributes. You
can also open the attribute table to view a feature record.
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A GIS can
capture/store, query/analyze, display/present data.
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The five steps in the
geographic inquiry process are: 1) ask a geographic question, 2)
acquire geographic data, 3) explore geographic data, 4) analyze
geographic information, and 5) act on geographic knowledge.
Key terms