Geographical Information Systems - Report Example

?Geographical Information Systems There will be a major role of GIS for the military in the 21sy century. The studies reveal that the GIS is an essential tool that provides excellence to future’s information warfare along with facts and figures. Moreover, in the Hungarian Topographic Program all the core elements as well as, the techniques regarding Military Geographic Information System including remote sense are launched. In this study an imminent approach is determined that reveals the remote future and its role in the army. Furthermore, the achievements related to the military technology and constructing robots in daily lives has an important role for the future of GIS. The profession of GIS includes important task and aims that helps to perform major duties called as ‘GIS Service’. The future soldiers and powerful army will not be able to survive in information technology environment without any availability of information army and GIS. The advancement in army makes sure that modern maps are also present. In fact, the term ‘modern map’ not only mean an up to date map but also includes transparency (that is, being able to be used simply, from the user’s point of view) along with perfect accuracy. The higher-than-average information content is available in order to support military the special military aspects. There is no doubt that any extra element related to information may be needed in order to execute task, planning and implementation. The old maps will face disadvantage due to chase traditional methods. The old traditional method has changed; it is not applicable to complement standard topographic maps along with special information. Thus, in this manner creating thematic maps that helps to gather useless information of the user’s. on the other hand, the essential mapping background is currently ‘adjusted’ in order to provide special information. Therefore, unlimited amount of necessary mapping information is put on display for the knowledge purpose. This is GIS is all about. Even though, this is considered the task of cartographer as it provides input and output information on map as, well as standard editing principle is also present. However, it is not necessary for the professionals to determine the requirements related to the GIS. In order to implement the defense task for the national security, public administration and society it is important to have all the information regarding artificial objects on surface and geometric information of natural objects. Moreover, we have also demonstrates the semantics related to events associated with the domain of remote sensing and image processing. Likewise, the events were incorporated with estimation of vegetation shield by consuming two indexes i.e. using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI). Moreover, along with these indexes, supervised and unsupervised classification is also conducted that is related to different information classes illustrated on an image. Moreover, these events also include images and pictures that are captured via satellites that are powered with remote sensing technology. The advantage of remote sensing is that it can detect objects in real time along with providing coverage of an expanded area within a short period of time. However, remote sensing can be divided in to two types i.e. active remote sensing and passive remote sensing. The active remote sensing provides an opportunity to be utilized at any time throughout the day and regardless of any season. Moreover, active remote sensing also facilitates the inspection of wavelengths that are not effectively illustrated by the Sun. In addition, it also takes charge of the illumination on the targeted object. On the other hand, passive remote sensing requires the Sun, in order to brighten the objective or the target. Moreover, this type of remote sensing uses reflected waves to measure the distance. As (Smith 2010) states that remote sensing based on active methodology needs a significant amount of energy source for illuminating the target. The data for the process of task that was associated with the vegetation estimation exposure was gathered from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). In order to achieve detection of vegetation, band rationing of the value of Infra-Red (700-1300nm) by Visible Light (400-700nm) is utilized. By using these values and methods, the albedo effects will be eliminated along with issues related to shadows that emerge from the images that are processed. Moreover, this method will also facilitate a high quality visibility for vegetation in images. Moreover, a task that is related to classification of information classes, Churn Farm image is the best option. Likewise, data available in this image is gathered by an airplane in the year 1984 from the NERC ATM scanner. Likewise, the image includes four bands and sketches the sites that are associated with agricultural land use. Moreover, integer represents the cover type for specific land cover type, in this way; probable training sites can be marked for each type of land cover. Methodology The first objective related to the coursework is to implement the features and capabilities associated with various GPS devices that are in hand for the last few days including Magellan, Etrax and Trimble devices. It is important to review the features each of these devices provides in order to facilitate the task. Magellan provides a comprehensive paperless geo caching that is easy to navigate along with rich graphics. Moreover, the color screen is sharp and easily readable in bright sunlight along with easy navigation with menus and visible graphics. Map screens are integrated with compass overlay in order to enable intuitive navigation along with customizable dashboard screen (, MagellanGPS - Go Geocaching with eXPlorist GC). Lastly, the Trimble devices including advanced devices and embedded systems such as Asset Tracking Device (TM3000), Defense, Precise Timing, Precision GNSS + Inertial and Indoor Mobile Mapping Solution (, Trimble - GPS, Laser, Optics, and Positioning Hardware, Software, and Services ). To examine the performance and accuracy in a specific area of Sliema in an effective way, these devices may come up with a question along with hypothesis. Collaboratively the group has decided on a question stating that the measurement of variability for satellite station amounts concluding that each individual GPS device implementation on various sample sites along with the features of whether the sample sites impede with the reception. As GPS is defined as, “The Global positioning system is a satellite based radio navigation system provided by the United States department of defense. It provides unequalled accuracy and flexibility in positioning for navigation, surveying and GIS data collections. GPS is the shortened form of NAVSTAR GPS. This is an acronym for navigation systems with time and ranging global positioning system. One can easily locate oneself with respect to the objects that surround him and position oneself relative to them. But doing this in middle of a desert or in the middle of the ocean where there are no reference objects is a problem”. By considering these factors, we conclude that the hypothesis should highlight the expected expensive and high profile GPS receiver of Trimble Geo XH device. The device will facilitate to achieve increased amount of satellite stations at all the sites along with consistent rate of these satellites across the areas of sites. Although, analyzing the data we have collected until now in this initial stage, the hypothesis is turning out to be in correct in our case, therefore concluding that we have to analyze more. We got a comprehensive introduction of how to use the RTK kit. The first task was associated with the applicability of different GPS devices, which we are using for almost a year. Some of the names of these GPS devices are Etrax, Trimble devices and Magellion. We have to construct a hypothesis to examine their efficiency and accuracy critically in a specific area of Sliemaf. The points including the features in the sample site interfere with the reception will be considered. Adding onto this we felt that the hypothesis should embrace expensive and higher specification GPS receiver of the Trimble GeoXH device, in order to have not only an increased amount of satellite stations at all sites but have these satellite stations at a consistent rate across the site area. The GeoXH device is loaded with enormous features. The GeoXH handheld delivers real-time decimeter integrates vital features for optimal accuracy for fieldwork in a one device (, Trimble - Mapping & GIS - GeoExplorer 6000 Series GeoXH Handheld). Moreover, the GeoXH handheld establishes a new standard for GNSS system performance and handheld data capture and shares many features such as (, Trimble - Mapping & GIS - GeoExplorer 6000 Series GeoXH Handheld): (10 cm / 4 inch) accuracy positioning It has ‘satellite shadow reduction technology’ 220 channel GNSS receiver with real-time H-Star technology that facilitates decimeter accuracy and fast convergence. Trimble Floodlight satellite shadow reduction that aids in exploring more positions and increased accuracy in tough environments. The Geo XH has smart Settings that are set and forget GNSS configuration for better results in all conditions. 4.2" polarized display including crystal-clear text, photos, and maps and even in direct sunlight. Integrated 5-megapixel autofocus camera to capture high quality photos and link directly to features and integrated Internet connectivity options. Integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and optional 3.5G cellular modem that share options such as work online, anywhere, cable-free Lightning-fast processing power and expandable storage to work with large, complex datasets without compromising performance It has a field swappable battery for providing 10 hours operation on a single charge and swap-and-go battery replacement in the field. It has a built in Windows Mobile 6.5 that is a proven mobile platform with the latest features and functionality. Designed for work with reliable rugged design However, analyzing the data that we have collated so far, at this premature stage, as it seems that the hypothesis was proved erroneous in our case, concluding more analysis. The second task was to evaluate a quality that is instituted in urban areas. In this case, we pulled out the quality of noise pollution in a specified area of Sliema. We decided on utilizing a db reading device that was acquired and mapped out from the catchment area, as the area has quiet back roads attached with noisy beaches. As we went along, we recorded at 40m intervals, 6 values of the db reader for every 10 seconds for 60 seconds. Adding to this we collated x.y values to give spatial attributes to these values that will be applied in post processing after the end of the day. Fortunately, it was not a bad day, we discovering how to assess differing equipment and how they interact with the environment along with learning the environment that might hinder the equipment. Optimistically interesting readings were extracted from post processing. Therefore, the final task is associated with RTK. “Real time kinematic GPS is a position location process whereby signals received from a reference device (such as a GPS receiver) can be compared using carrier phase corrections transmitted from a reference station to the user’s roving receiver. Using the correction information, RTK systems can provide real time accuracy below 5 cm” (, Global Positioning System Real Time Kinematic GPS - RTK GPS Definition). There was hope to assemble the RTK from the initial stage. However, another group had already configured RTK already and all the hard work of setting up the software in the initial stage was already finished. Data collection involves activities of walking around to collect and record point data around Sliema.  Data recording associated with RTK was relatively easy. However, RTK was not utilized to its full potential as we have constraint of time. Therefore, we had to record all the point data on the paper. This will facilitate us during data upload on a computer and provide us opportunity to review each polygon and line. I hope that in the near future we will get the opportunity to use the RTK again. Moreover, today was a good experience as we operated very precise GIS hardware. I will make this blog to an end with my thoughts and views over the last couple of days. It has definitely been very enlightening, understanding where GIS data is collected from and how it is collected, makes you really appreciate how much work and effort has been put into data such as Master map data. This particular field trip provided massive learning outcomes and experience. However, it was not easy in the sun as we all were exhausted but now it is time to go home. One more point I would like to share that is related to all the different equipment we have been using this week, is that expensive and complex equipment does not necessarily mean better results in all situations, and that surveying in built up environments is incredibly difficult. References , MagellanGPS - Go Geocaching with eXPlorist GC . Available: http://www.magellangps.com/lp/eXploristGC/index.html#3 [4/21/2011, 2011]. , eTrex - . Available: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=6403 [4/21/2011, 2011]. , Trimble - GPS, Laser, Optics, and Positioning Hardware, Software, and Services . Available: http://www.trimble.com/ [4/21/2011, 2011]. , GPX Explained . Available: http://www.topografix.com/gpx_for_users.asp [4/21/2011, 2011]. , ArcMap (Sold by RockWare) . Available: http://www.rockware.com/product/overviewSection.php?id=189§ion=54 [4/21/2011, 2011]. , Global Positioning System Real Time Kinematic GPS - RTK GPS Definition . Available: http://www.wirelessdictionary.com/wireless_dictionary_gps_rtk_gps_definition.html [4/21/2011, 2011]. , Trimble - Mapping & GIS - GeoExplorer 6000 Series GeoXH Handheld . Available: http://www.trimble.com/mappingGIS/geoxh6000.aspx?dtID=key_benefits [4/21/2011, 2011]. Smith M. 2010. Lecture Notes. Remote Sensing and Image Processing. Kingston University. Read More