Evaluation of Geographical Information System Applications - Assignment Example

Name of Student] [Name of University] [Date] Assignment 2: Evaluation of GIS Applications Geographical information system applications are important in many ways. GIS applications helps surveyors and other stake holders to make and display maps of sections of the earth also display some features on these maps such as population, roads, buildings and forests. It utilizes spatial data and a-spatial data. It helps to analyze huge amount of data as well as help zoom small screen maps to usable sizes. These applications have become extremely necessarily in the world today. Information can be obtained using the information systems. The use of geographical information system is important in coming u with such kind of data. A professional should therefore have the knowledge of information systems so as to obtain and use the data. This kind of data is important for decision making process which is a requirement for the professional. It is thus evident that information systems play an important role in decision making and management of the company. The knowledge of information systems makes the decision making and management process easier for the professionals. GIS applications are important to users especially those who are travelling and want to solve some problems, this includes Google maps and MapQuest. The Global information System is expected to locate the exact portion of objects on the earth in relation with the many satellites in constant rotation around the earth. It is to use latitudes and longitudes in obtaining 2-D objects and an addition of altitudes to latitudes and longitudes to obtain 3-D objects. It is also expected, apart from the determination of the position, to determine other parameters like bearings, destination distance, speed, sunrise, sunset, track and the distance of the trip among others. GIS also monitors precisely and helps in keeping track of time. The GIS applications are easy to run and prune too few errors. This makes them efficient and reliable by users when there is need to use them. This means, GSI is good in helping individuals solve their problems especially in navigational problems. In order for these applications to have usefulness it must have some features which are unique and enables them to perform these functions. GIS are becoming more and more complex with modern hi-tech technology like using the RF, and both low and high speed processing and controlling of signals. Often in the design, the optimal status of the boundaries of the technologies is never known and guesses are usually made by the designers. These guesses are usually justified at nearly the end of the design process a time that is usually very late for any corrections to be made. The current processes designed help avoid this kind of problems and others of similar type. The Model-Based Design according to Dickson (2005) is used to offer the solutions of discovering error too late. The Model-Based Design entails a set of integrated tools which are so cost effective used to verify, partition, design, and even generate codes automatically for DSPs and even FPGAs. Verification should be done in the process at each step making sure that the goals of performance are met. The capability to automatically generate codes is then finally used to implement, with no error, the model on the actual hardware. Works Cited Bowm, Scott. Evaluating Enterprise GIS Requirements. 6 April 2013. Web. 16 December 2014. Dangamond Jack. The commercial setting of GIS. In: Maguire DJ. Goodchild M F. Rhind D W (eds). Geographical information systems: principles and application. Long man, London, pp. 55-65, vol 1, 1991 Khan, Zulfiqar & Adnan, Muhammad. A Comparative Study of Google Maps and MapQuest Usability Evaluation of Web-based GIS Applications, Blekinge Institute of Technology- School of Computing. 31 January 2010. Web. 16 December 2014 Longley, Paul, Michael Goodchild, M. F., David Maguire, & David Rhind.  Geographic Information Systems and Science. New York: John Wiley & Sons., 2001. Name Tutor Course Date Assignment 3: GIS and Other Spatial Data Handling Technologies Geographic information systems (GIS) (also known as Geospatial information systems) are computer software and hardware systems that enable users to capture, store, analyze and manage spatially referenced data. GISs have transformed the way spatial (geographic) data, relationships and patterns in the world are able to be interactively queried, processed, analyzed, mapped, modeled, visualized, and displayed for an increasingly large range of users, for a multitude of purposes. The other definition is that GIS applications are a group of software and hardware systems of a computer that enables the storage, capture and analyze spatially referenced data. These systems have changed how data relating to geographical spacing is being managed, processed, mapped, analyzed, modeled and presented. Some examples of GIS include remote sensing and transportation engineering they are used in urban planning, land subdivision. GIS is important because it presents the data in the most appropriate way and facilitates interactive analysis. It can create pivotal tables that are necessary during data analysis. It shows residential distribution as in our case at hand as well as it can represent huge data into a small section. Features of GIS applications On-demand self-service – a user can obtain GIS applications services such as storage and/or server time unilaterally without human interaction with the service provider. Broader network access–the network avails capabilities, which can be accessed through mechanisms that are standard and promote the application by heterogeneous thick and thin client platforms like workstations and/or mobile phones. Resource pooling–the computing resources of the provider are pooled to serve many users through a multitenant model having different physical and virtual resources, which are assigned and reassigned depending on the user’s requirement. There is location independence in that a user cannot ascertain the exact location of the resources other than at a higher level of abstraction like country. Rapid elasticity–GIS services can be elastically provided and released to scale rapidly inward and outward commensurate with demand. Users assume that the services available are unlimited and can be extended at any time in any quantity. Measured service–GIS applications systems control and optimize the use of resources automatically through leveraging a metering mechanism at an abstraction appropriate to the service type. Usage of resources can be controlled, monitored, and reported for transparency provision for both the user and the provider of the service. Infrastructure as a service –this service model provides the user with the capabilities of storage, processing, networks, and other computing resources, in cases, where the user is able of deploying and running arbitrary software such as applications. The user does not control and/or manage the underlying infrastructure, but can control applications, storage and sometimes select networking components like firewalls. Platform as a service –this service model provides the user with the infrastructure to deploy user-created/acquired applications created with the utilization of programming languages, services, libraries, and tools supported by the provider. User do not control or manage the underlying infrastructure (servers, networks, storage, and operating system), but can control the applications that he has deployed, as well as, the configure settings in the application-hosting environment. Software as a service–this service model allows the user to make use of the provider’s applications in the GIS system infrastructure. The applications can be accessed through different client interfaces like the program interface, or web browser. The user neither controls nor manages the underlying GIS applications infrastructure, which include servers, network, operating system, storage, or individual applications exception the limited user-specific configuration settings. The GIS applications infrastructure is provided for the exclusive use of a certain community of users from organizations with shared concerns such as security requirements, mission, policy, and compliance considerations. Ownership, management, and operation may be by a third party or one or more organizations in the community, or a combination, and it maybe an on or off premises infrastructure. Ownership, management, and operation may be by an academic, business, or government organization or a combination of both, and it exists on the provider’s premises. The GIS applications infrastructure comprises of at least two distinct infrastructures private, and public which remain as unique entities, but are bound by proprietary or standardized technology that allows for application and data portability such as GIS system bursting to balance loads. Environments of GIS applications e.g. Google App promise to enable the deployment of Web 2.0 applications by the user on services. For the creation of spatial databases, relational databases are untenable. GIS applications providers need data management methods that are scalable, cost-effective, and reliable. The development of Table solution by Google was so that the storage management system could be relatively simple, and provide access to large data quantities distributed between thousands of computers. Table is physically similar to B+-tree index organized table having leaf and branch nodes that are disturbed across several machines. As in a B+-tree, the nodes split with growth allowing for extremely high scalability across numerous machines. The identification of elements of data in table utilizes column name, a primary key, and a timestamp. The chasm between the capabilities of mainstream relational databases and spatial databases is large. In effect, it becomes easy for users of relational databases to dismiss their long-term potential. However, applications that follow the Model-View-Controller design can offer the functionality of data management that is a requirement by an application. In addition, they can offer this functionality with economic advantages, as well as, compelling scalability. In other words, they exhibit the characteristic of disruptive technology (technology that offers economic advantage, as well as, adequate functionality) Benefits of GIS applications to Businesses Cost containment and reduction – GIS applications provides businesses the option of scalability without having to commit serious finances, which is necessary for purchasing infrastructure, as well as, maintaining. Capital expenditure on GIS system services is little to nothing. Storage and services are available on demand, and the price is at a pay-as-you-go service. Furthermore, GIS applications helps in saving costs in terms of wasted resources. Saving on server space that is unused enables businesses to contain costs relating to existing technological needs, and can experiment with new services and technologies without large investments. Businesses need to compare the costs they incur as potential expenses in GIS system services to evaluate potential business savings. Immediacy–many businesses that adopt GIS applications talk of the ability of providing and utilizing a GIS applications service for only a day. This is unlike traditional IT projects, which require months/weeks to purchase, configure, and operationalize the resources. This affects the agility of businesses and reduces costs of time delays. Availability – providers of GIS applications have the infrastructure, as well as, the bandwidth for accommodation of businesses needs for applications, storage, and high speed access. They also have redundant paths that help in load balancing; thus, ensuring overloading or delay of services. However, it is necessary for users to ensure that they have other provisions in case of interruptions in service. Scalability – with unlimited capacity, GIS applications services provide increased flexibility and scalability for changing IT needs. Implementation and provisioning occur on demand, which allows for spikes and also reduces the duration of implementing new services. Efficiency–the use GIS applications for operational activities of information management provides businesses with the opportunity of focusing their efforts on other business activities such as innovation, research and development. This allows a business to grow, which could be advantageous than the cost savings realized through GIS applications. Resiliency–providers of GIS applications have mirrored solutions, which can be used in disaster cases, as well as, load-balancing traffic. Incase a natural disaster occurs and requires a site in a different region (geographical) or just a heavy traffic, GIS applications providers, will have the capacity and resiliency of ensuring service provision is sustained through such an unexpected event. Risks Associated with GIS applications Many risks that GIS applications presents are existent in businesses today. The following are most of the risks that are associated with GIS applications. It is necessary for businesses to be particular while selecting a GIS applications provider. Consideration should be on history, reputation, and sustainability. Sustainability is essential in ensuring availability of services and the possibility of tracking data. Another risk relates to information handling, which is crucial for businesses. Failure of the provider of GIS applications to perform at agreed-upon levels can severely affect confidentiality, availability and business operations. Confusion may arise as to where the required information resides because of the dynamic nature of GIS applications. This will create delays and inconveniences when retrieval of information is required. There is also the risk of compromising sensitive, confidential information because of third-party access to the information. This poses a significant threat to the protection of trade secrets or intellectual property. Public GIS system allows development of high-availability systems at levels of service, which is usually impossible to create for private networks, except at very high costs. The disadvantage of this availability is the potential of commingling assets of information with other user of the service provider, including competitors. Compliance to laws and regulations in different geographical regions can be challenging to businesses. Currently, there is little legal precedent with respect to liability in the GIS system. It is necessary to seek proper legal advice in ensuring that the contract indicates areas where the provider of GIS applications is liable for ramifications that arise because of potential issues. Location of information in the event of a disaster may not occur immediately because of the dynamic nature of GIS applications. It is necessary to have disaster recovery, as well as, business continuity plans well documented and tested. It is essential for the GIS system provider to understand the role it plays with respect to incident response, backups, and recovery. The contract should state recovery time objectives. Assurance Considerations in GIS applications The nature of services that GIS applications provides has numerous challenges to assurance providers. In order for the assurance provider to provide users with trust in the infrastructure and software services in the GIS system, he/she should address the following key assurance issues. Transparency – providers of GIS applications should demonstrate the set up of security controls that assure users on security of their information from destruction, change, and/or unauthorized access. The key considerations to help in deciding are: the level of transparency, whether transparency will aid malefactors, and what should be transparent. Supplier transparency is critical in areas like the employees of the provider who have access to user’s information, segregation of different user’s information, and the controls that are set to detect, prevent and/or react to breaches. Privacy–concerns of privacy are increasing worldwide; thus, it is imperative for GIS applications providers to prove to potential and current users that privacy controls are set, and demonstrate the ability of detecting, preventing and reacting to breaches at the shortest time possible. Reporting and information lines of communication have to be set up before the commencement of service provision, and they should be tested periodically. Compliance–it is necessary for organizations to comply with regulations, laws, and standards. Concerns are that data storage might not be in one place; hence retrieval is not easy. It is important to make sure that if authorities demand data, the provision will not compromise other information. Audits completed by regulatory, legal, or standard authorities themselves indicate that overreach of seizures is plenty. The use of GIS applications does not guarantee a business that it will obtain its information when needed with some providers reserving the right of withholding information from authorities. Trans-border information flow–the physical location of information in the GIS system can be an issue because it dictates jurisdiction, as well as, a legal obligation. Laws governing personal information vary from one country to another. One can allow what is a violation in another. Certification–it is necessary for providers of GIS applications service to assure users that they are doing the required things. Independent assurance from audits by third-party is essential in an assurance program. The GIS applications Industry In the GIS applications industry, Amazon has been at the forefront by providing access to around 500,000 developers through Amazon Web Services, which was initially developed for internal services. Through this service, any business (small) can start an online business on its computer system, add additional virtual machines when necessary and shut them down accordingly. Google is also another company that offers GIS applications. The common services that it has been offering are spreadsheet applications and word processing online, while data and software are stored on servers. Google App engine lets developers of software write applications, which can run on Google servers for free. Even it’s mapping application and search engine can offer GIS applications services. It provides several new technologies such as a windows-based environment in the GIS applications to help with running applications and data storage in data centers, among other services.Salesforce.com and 3Tear are other hardware and software companies that have been active in the GIS applications industry. Social networks are following the same direction by providing user-based applications in the social platforms. E-commerce is growing at a high rate. Among the technologies facilitating this growth are GIS applications and database management. GIS applications are revolutionizing businesses by offering advantages relating to time and cost. The characteristics of GIS applications include on-demand self-service, and measured value, among others. GIS applications service models include Infrastructure as a service, platform as a service, and software as a service. Deployment models include private GIS system, public GIS system, community GIS system, and hybrid GIS system. Benefits of GIS applications are cost containment and reduction, immediacy, availability, scalability, efficiency, and resiliency. Risks associated with GIS applications include failure of the provider to offer services at agreed performance levels, and delays in retrieval of information due to the dynamic nature of GIS applications, among other risks. Assurance considerations for GIS applications are transparency, privacy, compliance, trans-border information flow, and certification. The GIS applications industry has several companies, which include Google maps, among others. Works Cited Dangermond, Jack. Unit 25 - trends in GIS. 6 January 2012. Web. 16 Decmber 2014. Dangamond Jack. The commercial setting of GIS. In: Maguire DJ. Goodchild M F. Rhind D W (eds). Geographical information systems: principles and application. Long man, London, pp. 55-65, vol 1, 1991 Longley, Paul, Michael Goodchild, M. F., David Maguire, & David Rhind.  Geographic Information Systems and Science. New York: John Wiley & Sons., 2001. Monmonier, Mark. A Case Study in the Misuse of GIS: Siting a Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility in New York State. Orono: Department of Spatial Information Science and Engineering, University of Maine. 24 July 1995. Web. 16 December 2014. Monmonier, Mark. How to lie with Maps. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996. Print. Sengupta Saradindu & Kakali Das Future Trends in GIS. 6 January 2012. Web. 16 Decmber 2014. Simpson, Richard Current & Future Trends in GIS-Intergraph Mapping & Geospatial Solutions. 6 January 2012. Web. 16 Decmber 2014. Stone, John. Location Analysis Puts Businesses in Their Place. 6 January 2000. Web. 16 December 2014 Wessex Institute of Technology. Forest Fires 2012 [online]. 3rd International Conference on Modeling, Monitoring and Management of Forest Fires. 22 May 2012. Web. 16 December 2014 White Mark. Car navigation systems. In; Maguire DJ, Goodchild. MF, Rhind DW (eds) Geographical Information Systems; principles and applications; Longman, London, pp. (115-25, vol 2, 1991. Name Tutor Course Date Assignment 4: Trends in GIS This is the world of technology, where every action is guarded by a technological device. It has become imperative that technology has seeped our hearts and minds. Once the residence was of perceptions about cumbersome manual processes, now it has been replaced with doing everything with the help of a single device. Indeed, life has become easier, yet more complex than before. The more the technology, the easier it becomes for the users to access their data whenever and wherever they want. Here the importance of GIS applications and their effectiveness to capture in geo-location and personal data cannot be undermined. Now every company needs to have a GIS based application system which can help to keep track on the changing trends of the market and gather data. User can access to user data with the help of mobile-based applications and it has increased their cost-effectiveness and given them an overall advantage in the market. Besides, the mobile based application helps in locating the location’s information and users are able to upload processes without having to use a desktop system. These GIS based applications have enabled many benefits to the users as well as the business worldwide. Looking at the trend of GIS, it will be noted that most of the issues discussed relates to hardware performance, hard ware size and hard ware price. The prices of GIS are coming down and there are used in the business focusing. For example, it is easier to predict the performance of GIS applications currently as compared in the 1980s and 1990s this is because things are changing rapidly in terms of computer power. From the year 2000 onwards there has been introduction of palmtop/mobile gadgets which have the ability to use GIS applications in the data storage and retrieval. The size of computer is diminishing to the point of having pocket size gadget to perform functions of a computer. This enables GIS software to be improved. Another issue that is looked at is the cells of GIS. There has been an upward trend in the cells of GIS in the world today as it can be noted that in 1990 had cells of 20,000 systems which grew to 580,000 in the year 2000. This means if this trend is kept, in the year 2020, millions of GIS will have been sold. The growth in cells as indicated in the document is necessary for growth of any business oriented project. Improved GIS are the driving mind mapping to greater heights by providing user with flexibility and convenience that GPS do not provide. GIS has developed with the development of the internet, and GPS technologies. Rhind, Goodchild and Maguire predicted that there will over 0.5 million GIS systems installed. These will work together to improve human existence on earth. It is important to realize the true purpose of a GIS application for the business to thrive in its navigation strategy. In truth, GIS applications are software programs which are designed to perform specific tasks. There are generally two types of GIS applications. Firstly, there is the native app which is to be installed in the device in order to use it. The other application of GIS is the Web app which customarily resides on the server and is only accessible through internet. The Web App performs very a particular task and they are usually the same as the native app. They can be downloaded by the user into their devices but they would always require internet connection to work. Works Cited Dangermond, Jack. Unit 25 - trends in GIS. 6 January 2012. Web. 16 Decmber 2014. Longley, Paul, Michael Goodchild, M. F., David Maguire, & David Rhind.  Geographic Information Systems and Science. New York: John Wiley & Sons., 2001. Monmonier, Mark. A Case Study in the Misuse of GIS: Siting a Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility in New York State. Orono: Department of Spatial Information Science and Engineering, University of Maine. 24 July 1995. Web. 16 December 2014. Sengupta Saradindu & Kakali Das Future Trends in GIS. 6 January 2012. Web. 16 Decmber 2014. Simpson, Richard Current & Future Trends in GIS-Intergraph Mapping & Geospatial Solutions. 6 January 2012. Web. 16 Decmber 2014. White Mark. Car navigation systems. In; Maguire DJ, Goodchild. MF, Rhind DW (eds) Geographical Information Systems; principles and applications; Longman, London, pp. (115-25, vol 2, 1991. Assignment 5: Mind Map GIS The blog created is https://baby2boy.wordpress.com/2014/12/16/mind-map/ Password-4486*/+john Read More