GIS Course Full Information | Free GIS courses with Certificate | Pg gis course in India

GIS Course Full Information | Free GIS courses with Certificate | Pg gis course in India

Geographic Information System

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for seizing, storing, inspecting, and displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface. By relating seemingly distinct data, GIS can help people and administrations better understand altitudinal patterns and relationships.

The White House defines GIS Technology as “the technology, policies, standards, human resources, and related activities necessary to acquire, process, distribute, use, maintain, and preserve spatial data.” (Source: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/geographic-information-system-gis/)

Components of GIS:

GIS has five components and these are:

·       Hardware: GIS software and apps are referred to as hardware, and any device (computer, smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, monitor, printer, scanner, etc.) can be used to access (geographic information system) GIS applications that hold massive GIS datasets. These are usually GIS workstations with large monitors, fast internet, lots of disk space for data storage, and strong processing capabilities.

·       Software: These are tools for processing and examining geographic data. A software component is any application, software package, tool, or solution (commercial or free) that allows a GIS user to carry out necessary GIS tasks. Users can operate, store, query, and scrutinize both spatial and non-spatial data and information with the use of GIS software, database management systems, and graphical user interface (GUI) applications. Example: QGIS, ArcGIS and others.

·       Data: GIS data can include any digitally stored geographic information on computers or servers. Geospatial remote sensors and other data collecting technologies are used to collect this type of data, which is then digitally saved for users of GIS applications. Although this procedure can be carried out internally, several businesses would rather communicate with outside commercial data providers or vendors for their data requirements. A GIS solution assists user in establishing, analyzing, and presenting the data in the form of a map, graph, or other relevant graphic after it has been developed.

·       Methods: A successful GIS functions according to a well-thought design and business rules which are the models and effective practices unique to each organization. These are the procedures and techniques for working with GIS data. Data retrieval, input, storage, management, analysis, and presentation in the final product are all governed by procedures. They guarantee precision and consistency in GIS operations.

·       People: Without the people who oversee the system and create plans for using it to solve real-world issues, GIS technology is only partially useful. GIS is used to solve problems and make decisions by people from a variety of disciplines, including scientists, engineers, agencies, and legislators. They are vital for properly analyzing and applying GIS data.

Real World Application of GIS:

1. Urban Planning: For urban planning, including zoning and land use projects, responding to natural disasters and health events, designing buildings and highway systems, transporting utilities, producing power, and overseeing trash and resources, governments employ GIS data and GIS-based applications. For example: The State of Arizona manages its portfolio of more than nine million acres of land using GIS technology.

2. Weather Forecasting: Planning and preparing for extreme weather events, which are becoming more severe and frequent around the world, is vital for governments and organizations. Such software solutions integrate geospatial data, GIS mapping and deep environmental analytics, enabling organizations to create an actionable format of diverse weather-related data. More accurate forecasts rely on real-time data and digital maps to help companies more effectively anticipate and respond to weather events, minimizing disruptions to operations.

3. Decision-Making: Strategic business decisions are made possible by GIS software in a variety of domains, including consumer segmentation, real estate portfolio management, and transportation and delivery management. Businesses utilize GIS technology, for instance, to make sure that personnel and equipment are located where they should be, whether on or off property.

4. Agriculture: While GIS technologies afford valuable data to cultivate thriving harvests, sustaining livelihoods requires navigation of ever-changing conditions. Insights into shifting terrain and tailored seeds sow greater yields and resilient strategies. Smallholder farms, for instance, are essential to a stable global food supply, but they are also especially susceptible to factors related to the climate and weather. A technology solution developed by IBM and the Plan21 Foundation demonstrates how farmers may better adapt to climate change by using insights from a range of sources, such as agronomic and weather data.

5. Healthcare: Health and human services organizations utilize geographic information systems to geospatially plot instances of illnesses, enabling them to recognize areas that are high risk and even to discover the origin of some conditions.

GIS plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing complex geographical challenges.

Is GIS a Good Career Option?

Yes, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an excellent choice, as a career option especially if you have a strong interest in geography, data analysis, and technology. GIS experts are in demand across various industries as spatial data is becoming more and more important in decision-making and problem-solving.

Why GIS is a Good Career Option?

1. High Demand: Urban planning, environmental preservation, transportation, disaster relief, agriculture, and healthcare are among the industries that value GIS expertise. For planning and analysis, a large number of public and private organizations depend on GIS.

2. Diverse Career Opportunities: GIS provides various career opportunities which are not only high in demand but has competitive salaries. 

o   GIS Analyst/Technician

o   Cartographer

o   Remote Sensing Specialist

o   GIS Developer/Programmer

o   Urban Planner

o   Environmental Scientist

o   Data Scientist with GIS expertise

3. Positive Impact: For people who wish to make a difference, GIS is a fulfilling career because it helps solve real-world issues including urban development, environmental initiatives, and disaster response.

Top Institutions for GIS in India:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be studied at several colleges, universities and online platforms in India be it undergraduate and master's degrees, certifications, or short courses. Here's where you can study GIS:

Online Learning Platforms-

• Coursera
• edX
• Esri Academy
• Udemy
• LinkedIn Learning

Specialized GIS Institutes-

• Esri Training Centers
• ITC (Netherlands)
• Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS)

Certifications-

• GIS Professional (GISP)
• Esri Technical Certifications
• Remote Sensing and GIS Certifications

Colleges:

1. Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics (SIG), Pune

2. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun

3. Amity Institute of Geo-Informatics and Remote Sensing (AIGIRS), Noida

4. Indian Institute of Technology (IITs)

5. Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra (BIT Mesra)

6. University of Madras

7. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata

8. Anna University, Chennai

9. Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad

10. Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT), Ahmedabad

Remote Sensing

The practice of gathering data about regions or items on the surface of the Earth without coming into close contact with them is known as remote sensing. It employs sensors, usually satellites, drones, or airplanes, to identify and quantify the energy that is reflected or transmitted at a distance. The Earth's surface and atmosphere are frequently monitored, mapped, and analyzed using data gathered by remote sensing.

 

Components of Remote Sensing:

1. Energy Source: A light source, usually the sun, is at the heart of remote sensing. An active sensor and a passive sensor are two different things. Energy that is naturally available to a passive sensor is measured. On the other hand, an active sensor generates light on its own. With passive sensors, the Earth's surface is illuminated by light energy, which supplies the radiation required for distant sensing. The target either emits or reflects this energy, which serves as the foundation for data collection. This is a remote sensing system's first key.

2. Radiation and the Atmosphere: The Earth's atmosphere interacts with the energy source's radiation. A variety of air elements, including gases and water vapor, can change the incoming energy. Accurate data gathering requires an understanding of these interactions. The base is an essential part of a remote sensing system, but in order to get accurate data, remote sensing specialists frequently adjust for atmospheric variables.

3. Sensor: Sensors are essential to remote sensing because they record the energy that the object emits or reflects. These sensors are frequently installed on ground-based platforms, satellites, or airplanes. Certain components of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as visible light, infrared, or microwave radiation, are captured by different types of sensors.

4. Data Processing: After the energy is recorded by the sensor, the data must be processed. This stage entails adjusting for a number of variables, including geometric distortions, sensor characteristics, and atmospheric interference. After processing, the data is transformed into pictures or other formats that can be used for analysis.

5. Analysis: Interpreting and analyzing the data from remote sensing is the last step. From simple visualization to more complex methods like picture categorization, change detection, and quantitative measures, this stage can cover it all. This important data is used for many purposes by researchers and analysts.

Applications of Remote Sensing

1. Examining rural roads' condition: It is now feasible to examine rural road conditions with an inch-by-inch accuracy utilizing a variety of GIS and remote sensing techniques. For transporters, it saves a great deal of time and money.

2. Making a baseline map for reference: Remote sensing is the foundation of many contemporary mapping technologies, such as Google Maps, Bing Maps, Open Street Maps, NASA's Globe View, and others.

3. Calculating the snow pack: Using remote sensing technologies, the snow melt ratio may be easily known. NASA measures the amount of sunlight absorbed using a spectrometer and LIDAR.

4. Managing forest fires: Firefighters can be sent to the right places at the right time thanks to information gathered by satellites using remote sensing, which helps to minimize the damage caused by fires.

5. Identifying land cover and use: The physical characteristics of land and its intended use are ascertained through the use of remote sensing technologies.

Careers opportunities in Remote Sensing:

• Remote Sensing Analyst
• GIS Specialist
• Environmental Consultant
• Urban Planner
• Climate Scientist

With applications in many different industries, remote sensing is a fascinating and significant topic that aids in resource management, environmental issues, and sustainable development.