On integrated scheme for vector/raster-based GIS's utilization

Abstract

Integrated vector/raster-based geographic information systems (GIS) are regarded as important for wide applications of GIS to environmental studies, geoscientific approach, natural disaster prediction, urban utilities, or AM/FM (Automatic Mapping/Facilities Management). For this purpose, major vendors have provided concerned-modules in GIS S/W packages. It is a somewhat difficult and high-cost task if not provided with an integrated system. The authors present a GIS study of Seoul, composed of vector data sets and remotely sensed images. They developed vector/raster-based GIS using C and X Window/Motif on UNIX. Data structures, spatial operators, and accessibility to external-DBMS within these systems is basically similar to commercial GIS S/W packages, but the main goal for this development is to provide a cost-effective integrated system. Currently, GIS's main functions in this system is a vector layer editing/error handling function, spatial query in access of DBMS, in/out zooming of vector layer on raster image, interested area exaggeration function, generation of vector topology, vector in/out buffering, vector/raster overlay or superposition and so forth. In this paper, key ideas of implementing process for this integrated system are presented, and then the following simultaneous utilization of vector/raster GIS under this system are also demonstrated. Finally, some technical suggestions for this kind of GIS development are presented for further research through several actual cases.