Data Management

For more, see Data Structure, Data Source Manager

The quality of a GIS is directly related to the manner in which a system's data is managed, or more specifically how the information is obtained, formatted, utilized and maintained. Most data is utilized in one of numerous computer files which comprise a GeoSync based GIS:

• Shapefiles are layers which contain map features and their Feature Attribute Data.

• Project File

• Databases

• GeoDatabases

• Background Images

• Feature associated Images such as scanned plats, sketches, and field notes, photographs, etc...

• AutoCAD Drawings (dwg files)

• Drawing Exchange Files (dxf files)

• Deed Runner Files

• Raw / Corrected GPS files

• Data Dictionary

• Datalog

Data is managed throughout the various stages of building and maintaining a GIS:

1. Data Collection from a variety of sources:

A GeoSync GIS is composed of spatial information. Information has to be gathered and organized before a GIS is possible.

• Field collection through use of GPS or conventional surveying  methods.

• Census Data.

• Municipal data.

• Aerial Survey / Ortho-photography and resulting digitized topographic and planimetric information.

• Satelite Imagery.

• Any form of data collection that involves observations and/or measurements of geographical objects.

2. Formatting data:

Information is organized and formatted to be compatible with a GIS application such as GeoSync.

• Export Shapefiles from a GPS data processing program such as Pathfinder Office, etc...

• Build a database to manage Feature Attribute Data or

• a Geodatabase to house Feature Attribute Data and Spatial (graphic) information (supplanting a Shapefile).

3. Build project:

• Create Layers (Shapefiles) in GeoSync.

• Bring existing layers into GeoSync.

• Setup layer relates and related database tables.

• Build Image Catalogs.

• Add Images and Image Catalogs to project.

4. Project Maintenance:

• Update ViewSHP.

• Input Feature Attribute Data.

• Clean Datalog.

• Attach images.