JPG1914H1S --Geographic Information Systems

PROPOSAL

PROJECT TOPICS

Each group has the freedom to choose their own project topic. This page will provide sample topics. A group has the freedom to develop their own topic if they wish.

 

A list of potential projects is currently in development. Please contact the instructors if you would like to suggest a project.

  PROBLEM SOLVING METHODOLOGY AND PROJECT DESIGN

Note: Content adapted from chapter 12 of: Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. and S. Carver,  1998.  An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, Addison Wesley Longman Ltd., New York.

PROBLEM-SOLVING APPROACH

Soft Systems

    • Unstructured problems
    • Multiple users with different needs all using the same system, e.g. a GIS for people choosing a home

Hard Systems

    • Structured problems
    • Model reality or well defined scenarios, e.g. a GIS showing where homes for sale are located

PHASES OF HARD SYSTEMS DESIGN  

Lexical Phase

1. Define the problem

    • Background of problem
    • Review of similar/associated work
    • Needs Analysis
    • Problem statement which clearly identifies the question to be answered.

2. Define the boundaries (scope) of the problem

    • Spatial extent
    • Temporal extent
    • Major Assumptions already established

3. Define Entities

    • Real world features of interest including spatial/temporal characteristics
    • Data sources + georeferencing (include error levels)
    • Entity spatial definition (point, line, polygon, volume)

4. Define Entity State

    • Specify attributes of entities (define tables)
    • Data sources + available error levels
    • Attribute measurement level and units

Parsing Phase

1. Conceptual Data Model

    • Identify if entities are raster or vector data structures and group as data layers or objects.
    • Identify topological features of data within data layers or between data objects.
    • Grid resolution or fuzzy tolerance
    • Specify linkages between attribute tables

2. Defining Relationships between Groups of Entities

    • Permissible entity relationships
    • Linkages between attributes and entities
    • Linkages between attribute tables

3. Physical Data Model

    • Identify digital data format of input spatial data and attributes
    • Specify application specific data models within GIS
    • Specify georeferencing standards within GIS

Modeling Phase

1. Data Flow

    • Use map algebra and non-system specific terms to specify data flow.
    • Clearly indicate interfaces to analytical models external to GIS

2. Analytical Models

    • System specific flowchart.
    • Define methods for analytical modeling (e.g. regression, clustering etc.)
    • Perform analysis external to GIS which only supplies inputs.

Analysis Phase

    • Present modeling results: perform GIS analysis
    • Validate: use real world validation or perform error analysis
    • Document: identify what was accomplished in terms of initial problem and what can be improved upon.

DATA DICTIONARY

All projects are required to create a Data Dictionary for each data layer they create (either through analysis on existing GIS data or imported data). For the purposes of this course you can use the data dictionary format established for the Humber River watershed database (see example), or the ArcGIS Metadata format found in ArcCatalog. All groups will be required to produce these data dictionaries as part of their final report.

If you are making up a new project you may want to look at the National Topographic Database Data Dictionaries.

ASSESSMENT WILL BE BASED ON:

    • completeness
    • presentation (10 minute web presentation + 5 minute questions)
    • conciseness (proposal sticks to lexical phase)
    • extent to which proposal is realistic
    • amount of research put into lexical phase