An Introduction to
Geoinformatics
Mohd. Farooq Azam
[email protected] Course Lectures:
Module Lectures
I Introduction 1
II Datums and Projections 3
III Geographic Information System 4
IV Triangulation and Trilateration 4
V Precise Levelling 2
Mid-Semester Exam
VI Errors in Measurements 2
VII Electronic measurements in 4
surveying
VIII GPS and dGPS 2
IX Field Astronomy 2
Geodesy Now, where in
the world am I?
Geodesy is the science of accurately measuring and
understanding three fundamental properties of the
Earth: its geometric shape, its orientation in space,
and its gravity field— as well as the changes of these
properties with time.
Founder of Geodesy
(276-194 BC)
Geodesy
Types of Geodesy:
1) Geometrical: is concerned with describing locations in terms of
geometry.
2) Physical: is concerned with determining the Earth’s gravity field,
which is necessary for establishing heights.
3) Satellite: is concerned with using orbiting satellites to obtain
data for geodetic purposes.
Geodesy
or
Geoinformatics
?
Geoinformatics ?
Geodesy
and
Surveying
G.I.S
Photogrammetry
and Remote
sensing
Geoinformatics ?
Geodesy
and
Surveying
G.I.S
Photogrammetry
and Remote
sensing
Basic course for Civil Eng.
Geoinformatics
Geo + Information + Matics
Measurement and management of Geoinformation
Geoinformatics
Geo + Information + Matics
Measurement and management of Geoinformation
Geoinformation:
Any artificial or natural
object/phenomenon on,
below or above the Earth
Surface.
Example:
Trees,
Cars,
Houses,
Roads,
Grass,
Caravans
Etc.
Geoinformatics:
Two fundamental division of Geoinformation.
1. Measurement of Geoinformation:
a. Geometry: What is where?
b. Identification: What is what?
Geoinformatics:
Two fundamental division of Geoinformation.
1. Measurement of Geoinformation:
a. Geometry: What is where?
b. Identification: What is what?
Geoinformatics:
Two fundamental division of Geoinformation.
2. Management of Geoinformation:
a. Management (storage, retrieval,
presentation) of geoinformation
b. Manipulation (analysis based on
information).
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Primitive techniques:
Pacing, hands, rods etc.
2. Vedic age method of pacing.
3. Patwari measurement method.
Human body was used quite often.
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Land surveying techniques:
a. Using chain and compass
b. Using tape, chain and Theodolite
Methods were cumbersome and can
not be done in inaccessible areas
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Electronic Land Surveying
Techniques:
a. Using EDMI and total station
b. Now we have robotic TS.
c. Scanners
Fast, accurate methods but still
difficult to use in inaccessible areas
as control points need to be
developed.
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Aerial Photogrammetry:
• Emerged during WWI and WWII.
• Initial uses of pigeon with camera
to spy in enemy territory.
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Aerial Photogrammetry:
• Balloons
• Aircraft based
• UAVs/Drones
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Aerial Photogrammetry:
• Single photograph for
interpretation
• Stereo pair for 3D model
generation
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Aerial Photogrammetry:
Analogue -> Analytical -> Digital photogrammetry
• Still, we need to fly the area of observation.
• It is costly and not possible in harsh conditions or bad weather
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Satellite remote sensing:
• Commercial remote sensing
since 1972.
• At 600-900 km altitude.
• Synoptic view (several bands)
of terrain.
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Satellite remote sensing:
Km to m level spatial resolution.
AKINOS Satellite 1m
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Satellite remote sensing:
Used for both measurement and identification.
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Satellite remote sensing: Repetitive data, Sikkim Disaster
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Satellite remote sensing: Repetitive data, Chamoli Disaster
Geoinformatics:
Measurement Tools:
1. Global Positioning System
(GPS).
• A new method to know one’s exact
location on the globe.
• 24 satellites, 4 are needed to know
the position in Geocentric
Coordinate system.
Management of Geoinformation:
• Requirement to store and retrieve information
efficiently.
• Requirement to present the information
• Requirement to incorporate all information
collected in analysis to suit modern application.
Management of Geoinformation:
• Requirement to store and retrieve information
efficiently.
• Requirement to present the information
• Requirement to incorporate all information
collected in analysis to suit modern application.
GIS (Geographic Information System)
does it all!
Examples of GIS use
Flood operation needs:
• Flood extent
• Road network and types of roads
• Topography of land
• Distribution of house (concrete, mud)
• Distribution of multi-story and single-story houses
• Distribution of probable shelters
• Locations of rescue team
A model that uses all above data to locate
the sites on priority for rescue should be able
to make use of all data simultaneously
