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MAPPING AND ANALYSIS
Click on the links below to view specific
sections of the sample material:
| Learning Outcomes | Summary | Questions | Further Reading |
OVERVIEW
To understanding the nature and complexities of the environment in all
of the spheres examined in this book, it is not enough simply to measure
and monitor at one location (Chapter 5). It is also imperative to have
an idea of the spatial distribution of features and processes. Just as
with measurement techniques, there have been great leaps in human ability
to map the world around us and to use this to further understanding about
what happens under certain circumstances and why.
Much of the globe is now mapped and categorized at different spatial scales
of investigation as a starting point for further analysis. Unlike in the
past, where maps were often the product of many years of toil and involved
large teams of people, maps are now often the beginning of projects. Technological
developments have also given rise to the development of increasingly sophisticated
tools to help in the analysis of spatial and other data. The possibilities
for analysis in the twenty-first century are enormous and this will hopefully
pave the way for geographers, environmental scientists and managers to
help find sustainable solutions to the key threats to the Earth, its ecosystems
and its peoples.
This chapter begins by investigating the nature and characteristics of
spatial data and shows how it is used to map the globe. The spatial dimension
is one of the dimensions of data that were introduced in Chapter 5. The
ways of collecting spatial data have changed radically over the last century
so that now we now hold vast stores of data describing every sphere of
the planet from humans, plants and animals to physical parameters such
as temperature and rainfall. In order to appreciate the different forms
of spatial data, key spatial data sources are examined, including maps,
aerial photographs and satellite imagery. Illustrative examples of each
are provided, together with an indication of how these data are used to
help understand environmental issues. As well as being collected, data
can also be created through numerous spatial analysis techniques.
The chapter ends by introducing some of the most important analysis tools,
in particular Geographical Information Systems, and shows how GIS-based
techniques can be used to turn environmental data into environmental information.
Since environmental analysis using computer-based tools is increasingly
becoming a norm for research centres, governments and environmental agencies,
it is considered appropriate for this discussion on mapping and analysis
to pay frequent attention to the implications of issues, concepts and
ideas within this context.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After reading this chapter, you should have knowledge and better appreciation
of:
- The nature and characteristics of spatial data and how these are used to map the world around us
- Where spatial data come from, how they are
collected and how data are represented within a
computer system - How the development of computer-based tools
and techniques for the analysis and visualization of spatial data has
helped to improve knowledge about key environmental processes.
SUMMARY
GIS is a powerful tool for the integration and analysis of mapped data
from a variety of sources. This chapter has provided an overview of the
fundamental nature and characteristics of geospatial data as a starting
point for an appreciation of much of the environmental data now used by
physical geographers and environmental scientists. It then gave a flavour
of some of the specific issues associated with key data sources, especially
maps, aerial photographs and satellite
imagery.
The interrelated nature of data collection and analysis techniques was
stressed and selected examples illustrated the range of potential applications
to which they can be put to enhance understanding of both the physical
aspects of the planet and the interaction of humans with their environment.
The chapter ended with a look at how spatial analysis techniques can be
used with geospatial data and then applied to problem solving and decision
making. This analysis can be linked to environmental models or can be
used to further analyse the results of environmental models with other
datasets. Chapter 7 looks at environmental modelling in more detail.
QUESTIONS
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FURTHER
READING
The text in this chapter has drawn on a number of introductory texts covering
cartography and
Geographical Information Systems and Science. These, and some additional
texts, are
recommended to provide further grounding in some of the ideas that have
been introduced. Although all are introductory texts they differ in terms
of overall focus and level of detail.
- Burrough, P. A. and McDonnell, R. (1998) Principles
of Geographical Information Systems.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
A detailed and thorough coverage of some of the major spatial concepts and procedures underpinning modern GIS, particularly interpolation procedures and error analysis.
- Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. and Carver, S.
(2002) An Introduction to Geographical
Information Systems, 2nd edn. Harlow:
Prentice Hall.
An introductory text aimed at absolute beginners that provides a readable overview of the key concepts associated with spatial data and GIS.
- Kennedy, M. (2002) The
Global Positioning System and GIS: An Introduction, 2nd
edn. New York: Taylor & Francis.
A ‘how to’ text which gives a grounding in the practicalities of using GPS and handling GPS data within a GIS environment.
- Kraak, M.-J. and Ormeling, F. (2003) Cartography
Visualisation of Geospatial Data. Harlow: Pearson Education.
A nicely illustrated and interesting introduction to spatial data handling and visualization from a cartographic perspective.
- Longley, P., Goodchild, M. and Rhind, D. (2001)
Geographic Information Systems and Science.
Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
A comprehensive introductory text covering a wide range of topics, perspectives and ideas in the field of Geographical Information Science.
© copyright Hodder Arnold 2004
