Introduction to Geographic Information Science

This week, we will take a look at how spatial information
is transformed and represented. Topics of discussion will
include datums, coordinate systems, and raster vs. vector
data representation.

Coordinate Systems

Cartesian Coordinate System

UTM

Geographic Grid (Latitude and Longitude)

Spherical Grid System

Datums

Data Types

Raster vs. Vector

"Raster is vaster, Vector is more correcter"

Illustration of a Line in Both Raster and Vector Format

Potential errors when exchanging data between raster and vector format

Online GIS Data Resources

STARTING THE HUNT
FOR GIS DATA

Penn State University Library
Digital Chart of the World

San Diego
Association of Governments
SANDAG

U.S. Census Bureau
Cartographic Boundary Files

Canadian GeoBase

GEODATA.GOV

Web-based GIS Projects

SDSU Web Based GIS of Wildfires

Utah Water Science Center
Web-based GIS

Imperial County
Web-Based GIS

FEMA
Mapping Information Platform

U.S. Census Bureau
FactFinder Mapping Interface

TIGER Map Server

California Digital
Conservation Atlas

Find a GIS Job