Cartographic Issues in the Development of a Digital GRASS Database

Abstract

Abstract : The process of building a complete and useful database for the Geographic Resource Analysis Support System (GRASS), a geographic information system (GIS), is complex and costly. If data are entered or manipulated incorrectly, the result can be large, costly body of useless geographic information. The likelihood of such mistakes arises in part from a user's misunderstanding of basic differences between digital map data and conventional analog paper maps. Additionally, a number of environmental planners have been faced with the necessity of creating or editing GRASS databases without substantial training in cartographic concepts or the use of GIS. This report provides information that will help minimize mistakes commonly made in the creation and modification of GRASS databases. GRASs is now used widely at military installations, and by numerous other public and private agencies. This report answers some of the questions most frequently asked by GRASS users throughout the public and private sectors. The contents of this report are drawn largely from the collective experience of researchers at the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USACERL), where GRASS was developed. Issues addressed include software-specific matters, the characteristics of digital cartographic databases, the relationship between digital and analog maps in general, and the preparation of analog map information for conversion into digital data.