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What is GIS and where do I get it?
"Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a system comprised of hardware, software, data, and people. Hardware and software can be purchased from a number of vendors. A user should only purchase GIS software that is Open GIS Consortium (OGC) compliant. This will ensure data created can be used by others. GIS data can be downloaded from GeoStor, Arkansas' spatial data warehouse, or purchased from qualified vendors. Individuals should be sure that license agreements do not prohibit purchasers from sharing data with others. GIS people are the most costly component of a GIS system. It is critical that staff receive proper GIS training and stay current as the technology changes."
Learon Dalby, GIS Program Manager, Arkansas Geographic Information Office
What is the importance of having a GIS?
GIS is the Natural State's resource for gathering and presenting information on Arkansas geographical data, such as natural resources, bodies of water, roads, etc., in order to benefit the planning and development of cities, counties, industries, and various government entities. GIS can benefit Arkansas' business industry and economy by aiding employers in finding the perfect geographical location for their company or industry, thus bringing new jobs to that area and to the state. GIS can also assist emergency management teams in locating correct addresses, as well as determining how many residential structures are within a fire district. The possibilities of GIS are endless.
What does having a GIS do for the average person?
"The average person relies on GIS for a number of decision making processes. These processes include getting efficient services such as weather forecasts, efficient Enhanced 9-1-1 response, driving directions from Internet sites, and various other services. Though the average person is not 'pushing the buttons' in the system, GIS data and processes are providing the average person with answers."
Learon Dalby
What are the benefits over cost of GIS?
"Benefits should be measured over time. Proper GIS applications provide intelligent planning for the most efficient use of resources. Because the information is digital, it also allows for continuous refinement, enhancement, and increased efficiency."
Richard Chaney, Resource Information Manager, Ouachita National Forest
What various kinds of information are available through GIS?
"Over 500 data layers are available for no fee in GeoStor. Examples of GIS data: Elevation, Transportation, Site Data, Soils, Hydrology, Geology, Ownership, and Imagery."
Learon Dalby
What is the difference between GIS and a map?
"GIS is the application that compares the tabular data and illustrates the spatial relationships. It allows for selective analysis and informed decisions. The end results of the various analyses are usually illustrated as 'maps.' However, the layman mistakes GIS as simply mapmaking."
Richard Chaney
"A map is generally static and might be thought of as a cartographic output. Once created, the map does not provide any additional information. Conversely, GIS is an integrated system that enables a user to ask numerous questions of a database and visualize the answers."
Learon Dalby
What are some non-map generation uses of GIS?
"GIS can be used to create charts and graphs of databases to verify the quality of the database. These processes can also be performed in standard spreadsheet packages. Ordinarily, GIS is used to map the database so one can visualize the location of events. Generally speaking, answers acquired from map analysis performed in a GIS could be concluded through standard database queries. However, the answers may not be as easy to interpret."
Learon Dalby
What advantages do I, as a citizen gain from GIS?
"If you are performing the analysis in a GIS, you have an intimate knowledge of the data being used, its accuracy, and the type of spatial relationships desired and illustrated. If you only see the end product but know that it was derived from tabular information, you begin to appreciate geospatial patterns and relationships, the first steps in GIS."
Richard Chaney
The best place to find GIS data for Arkansas is in GeoStor and the AGIO Web site. There is also a very good site called "Starting the Hunt." Outside of Arkansas there are a number of sites where you can download GIS data: http://data.geocomm.com and http://www.esri.com/data/download/index.html.
How can GIS be used to make decisions?
"GIS is a planning tool. It combines known tabular data with spatial relationships to analyze the relationships and determine the most efficient use of limited resources. It can also be combined with modeling applications to determine 'what if' scenarios, or to compare results of applied resources or natural events over time."
Richard Chaney
How can GIS help my city/county?
"GIS can assist a city or a county with a number of daily processes: planning, waste water/utilities, voting precincts, road/bridge maintenance, E-911, etc."
Learon Dalby
Where can I find a GIS consultant to do a specific job?
"GIS consultants respond to user requests that are posted in local papers and on GIS Web sites. The Arkansas Geographic Information Office can provide individuals with assistance in placing a proper request."
Learon Dalby
"GIS accuracy varies depending on the data. It is critical that users refer to metadata to determine the accuracy of the data and make sure it is suitable for their application. For example, TIGER data created by the U.S. Census Bureau is 1:100,000 (+/- 167 feet). Data extracted from the state's digital ortho quadrangles is 1:1,200 (+/- 33 feet). Data created with a Global Positioning System (GPS) could have sub-meter accuracies. Generally speaking, the more accurate the data, the more costly it is to create."
Learon Dalby
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