Data vs. Information

Data: raw facts or measurementsInformation: collection of facts

organized/processed in such a way that they have value beyond the facts themselves.– Adds meaning or context to achieve goal of

user.

What is Information?

Information is the derivative of manipulating, organizing, summarizing, and presenting data in a form suitable for decision-making or further analysis.

Principle

MIS: The value of information is directly linked to how it helps decision makers achieve the organization’s goals

The “Information Spectrum”

. Omniscience. Wisdom. Knowledge. Information. Data

Info CharacteristicsANALYSIS TECHNIQUE

Affect value of informationDifferent attributes more important at

different times or different applicationsTrade-off between attributes

Accurate

Error free– measured correctly– Entered correctly– Interpreted correctly

GIGO– Program should verify data.

Complete

Has all important facts or data fields needed to achieve goals of IS.

Student records system:– Name, SSN, GPA, payments, course grades

Economical

Worthwhile to collect, buy or produce“Value” of information vs. cost

– What if “tip sheet” cost $1000 ?• Better be accurate and reliable!

Flexible

Can be used for a variety of purposessupports different IS users goalseasily transformed to another useTransferable to another application or use:

Inventory levels used by:– Sales staff, purchasing, production

Reliable

Always accurate/available – not just sometimes

can be depended onquality is consistent

Relevant

Important to decision maker – (not extraneous)

captures important aspects of modelcan be used to problem at handRemove non-relevant items from screens

Simple

Easy to understandEasy to manipulate

Timely

Delivered when it is neededMaximizes valueRelevant in time: still contributes to goals

of organization

Verifiable

Can check to see if correctHas other sources or can be “proved”

Accessible

Can be retrieved in reasonable time in correct format

Secure

Only authorized users can access easilyProtected from damage (backed up)

C O R E D A T A Q U A L I T Y :A c c u ra te /V e rifia b le /C o m p le te /R e lia b le

D E L I V E R YT im e ly/A c c e s s ib le /S e c u re

U S A B I L I T Y :R e le v a n t/S im p le /F le x ib le /E c o n o m ic a l

What is GIS?

A Geographical Information System (GIS) is a compilation of computer hardware, software, data and personnel that

collects, analyzes and presents information that is tied to a geographic location.

What is GIS?

Converts data into visual form

Links geographical data with descriptive data and forms the information into layers

The layers create themes that represent particular features on a map and, when combined, form a complete picture.

Three Types of Data

Spatial– Made up of points

– lines and areas:

– Points- locations:•

buildings,

•customers etc.

– Lines- streets, rivers. elevations

– Areas- polygons representing states, counties, market areas etc.

Tabular– Lists, spreadsheets and

databases– Can be linked to spatial

data– Sales to a region

Image– Satellite images, aerial

photographs and scanned data

– One layer– Cannot be broken down

Data Models

Vector– x,y coordinates

– Interconnected coordinates represent the shape of a feature.

– Highways, rivers etc.

Raster– Matrix of cells with

values

– Satellite imagery

– Color-coded to create a 3 dimensional image (elevations)

GIS Uses

Business PlacementLaw enforcementEmergency ResponseCensus/DemographicsMarketingPollution remediationMedical (disease epidemiology)Facility management (utilities) &Much More!

Links

www.gis.comESRIMapInfoNYS GIS Clearinghouse