GIS Files 1: Getting to grips with GIS

1.4: Different types of GIS data (1)

Data sources

The most common form of GIS data is based on topographic features – that is, the features that make up the physical structure of the land surface. Topography includes the relief of an area (the shape of its surface) and the position of both natural and man-made features.

In addition to topographical data, there are more diverse sources of information that can be linked into a GIS.

Large amounts of data relating to both people and the environment can be viewed and analysed in a GIS. The image above shows how a layer of environmental information can be overlaid on a map backdrop.

Even aerial and satellite imagery can be incorporated into a GIS and viewed along with other data for the same area, as long as the ground extent of the image can be identified. The most powerful GIS applications use data taken from a range of different sources.

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