GIS Dissertation Topics in Urban Planning

GIS Dissertation Topics in Urban Planning & Management

Are you a GIS student in the United States of America or Canada or United Arab Emirates? Then you need to consider application of GIS techniques in urban planning and management for your dissertation or thesis or capstone project.

In 2025, the role of GIS in urban planning & management can’t be over-celebrated. I mean ~ you’ve heard of the mythical London subway, or spent a lazy afternoon at a public park within your city. All that is resilient GIS urban planning and management at work! For example, Dickinson (Texas) are revitalizing their downtown with an ambitious vertical, mixed-use plan. Know what? some of the GIS expert in such teams sought GIS assignment help to assist with their GIS coursework for four years ~ ask them!

Did you even know the city of Portland (Oregon) is living proof of GIS-aided city planning and management? The initial zoning plan perfectly balances environmental preservation with urban developmental needs. Cool, huh?

So, What is this GIS Thing?

The most student-friendly explanation is “a tool that combines maps with data to solve real-world problems.” Geographic Information System (GIS) quietly changes the inhabited world through precision mapping, modelling, and meticulous geospatial data analysis. The gray-haired urban planner can’t hide their joy ditching the fossilized Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for ultra-modern softwares like ArcGIS and QGIS according to Geo Week News.

Definition: GIS (Geographic Information System) is integration of various data sources into a single spatial platform enabling specialists to analyze complex relationships, visualize potential impacts, and make informed decisions regarding sustainable urban development, efficient infrastructure projects, and community planning.

(See an abridged list of American universities offering GIS qualifications here).

Why GIS?

The indispensable application of GIS in urban planning presents city planners with powerful data analysis / visualization capabilities for evidence-based decision-making. To counter complex urban challenges, GIS adds value in addressing zoning, environmental management, infrastructure development, and disaster management.

For this reason GIS professionals are highly sought worldwide in development of smart cities and future cities. By focusing your GIS dissertation/thesis/capstone in urban planning and city management you will be setting yourself to success and a high-paying career.

What does it take to succeed as a GIS professional in urban planning?

Be a graduate from an accredited institution in your region
Spatial and attribute data for the specific location you’re planning for (Hey, we’ll also help you collect GIS data! (You can hire our GIS assignment writer for assistance)
Computers and GPS devices fitted with software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

Benefits of Learning GIS for Students

GIS skills are in high demand across numerous industries, making it a priority value-addition to your academic toolkit. Here are 4 major benefits you’ll enjoy after bagging GIS-related credentials:

● Wider Career Opportunities

Urban planning & management, environmental consulting, private consultancy earning bundles of crisp Benjies in fees, and government institutions are some employers where GIS skills are in very high demand.

● Additional Academic Advantages

GIS can enhance research projects, theses, or dissertations – thereby adding to the existing authoritative literature. This comes with bonus academic advantages such as learning to concisely communicate ideas to an academic (or the general) audience.

● Skill Development

Interactions with GIS softwares gives you technical skills and proficiencies no school will ever teach you. Most trending data analysis tools will intuitively train you in soft skills like critical thinking and data-driven problem-solving.

● Networking

GIS, more than any other discipline, creates exclusive opportunities to connect with urban planning and management professionals. GIS conferences, workshops, and even their online communities are virgin minefields for trending practices, up-to-date tech innovations, and the most recent methodologies.

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GIS Dissertation Topics that Focuses on Urban Planning & Management in 2025

Are you a GIS student in Canada or United States? Below is a list of 5 prominent applications of GIS in urban planning that you can use for your GIS dissertation/ thesis or capstone projects.

➔ Land Use Planning

Students can use GIS to analyze and amend state zoning laws. We assisted a Brazilian student to write a dissertation proposing land use changes, little did they know it’d find a way to the heart of government policy! SUBSCRIBE now to enjoy top-of-the-table land use planning homework help!

➔ City Traffic Planning

Using GIS to model traffic flow and to design public transit routes, our previous clients have made footprints in UAE, Canadian, American, and European city transportation planning and management. Go on, PLACE AN ORDER and enjoy massive 2025 discounts!

➔ Environmental Management

In an era of “Going Green” and sustainable environmental management, our professional GIS consultants are willing to share their experience to students. Analyze urban green spaces, pollution levels, or climate change impacts in your coursework like a pro you’ll soon become! Contact Us TODAY for GIS assignment help in environmental management.

➔ Disaster Preparedness

What if the city planners in Los Angeles had been our alumni? Maybe, just maybe, our GIS experts would have conducted better risk assessment and emergency planning to avert the inferno. From Manila to urban centers located within ‘The Ring of Fire,’ you’re a CLICK away from support with GIS disaster management projects!

➔ Smart Cities

Explore IoT and GIS integration for futuristic urban planning like your counterparts involved in the legendary Dubai Smart City. Now that the Emirates one has been built, be a part of the next one in your region!

Check out the full list of our ArcGIS coursework assistance services here.

Other Applications of GIS in Urban Planning and City Management

Other functions of GIS in urban planning and city management include:

#1: GIS urban planning integrates and overlays multiple geospatial data layers e.g. zoning regulations, tectonic movement indicators, and population density to identify possible conflicts, geological patterns, or hotspots allowing for composite spatial analysis.

#2: City planners use GIS to track the location and condition of infrastructure such as roads, public utilities, and buildings. Infrastructural management prioritizes maintenance activities and isolates facilities requiring upgrades.

#3: Creating interactive maps that visualize urban dynamics in areas that need targeted interventions. GIS allows planners to visually represent urban trends like crime rates, population growth, and traffic patterns in real time. GIS-based planners share pertinent data with resident associations during public participation exercises to gather community input for every proposed project.

Specific Applications of GIS Techniques in Modern Urban Planning

Urban planners allocate proportionate resources using GIS-based conclusions that target the right populations after pinpointing the most prime location for such developments. Among the many activities of a GIS professional in urban planning and management are mapping, geospatial information analysis, and data visualisation & modelling. They do this through:

Identifying suitable development sites after analyzing factors like proximity to other services, land availability, ergonomic regulations, or environmental suitability.
Conducting impact assessment (social and environmental) for proposed projects to comply with municipal estate restrictions.
Tracking land use changes and monitoring urban growth patterns over time to establish city sections with rapid development needs.
Creating equitable access to social services in underserved areas through investments in essential services such as building healthcare, sanitation amenities, and educational institutions.

Fun Fact: The helmets different GIS scientists wear distinguishes their profession. See the image below and tick where you belong…

A chart depicting color codes for helmets and their respective reflective jackets (Source: PosterMyWall).

Reasons GIS Techniques are Integral in Urban planning

Unending cases of severe traffic congestion (rush-hour New York, is that you? Haha!)
Inadequate access to essential services leading to the growth of densely-populated slums and unplanned informal settlements that lack basic sanitation and infrastructure. Poor public health, inadequate water and sanitation, and absence of recreational parks are detrimental to city dwellers’ well-being.
Closely related to (2) above, poor planning and segregation leads to social exclusion / marginalization of whole communities. There’s evident disparity in access to quality housing, education, and healthcare between different socioeconomic groups.
Poor urban planning directly leads to high cost of living. For example, housing prices rise due to limited developable land which is in very high demand.
Environmental degradation and habitat loss, maturing into the dreaded ‘Urban Heat Island Effect.’ No wonder certain towns have higher urban temperatures ~ what with the lack of green spaces and excessively paved surfaces?
Cities planned without GIS face an increased risk of disasters. Fortunately, GIS software like QGIS or Google Earth Engine and datasets such as OpenStreetMap or NASA Earthdata can help alleviate this.

Important Factors to Consider in your GIS Dissertation Project in Urban Planning

Data quality, accuracy, and reliability heavily influences the meaningfulness of your GIS analysis.
Engage the community and involve stakeholders throughout the planning process by providing accessible GIS data tools.
Technical expertise ~ only skilled GIS professionals should manage or analyze complex spatial data.

What Future GIS Students Should Watch Out For

In 2025 and beyond, keep an eye out for the following:

AI and Machine Learning will be integrated into GIS for predictive analytics.
Real-Time GIS applications in smart cities and IoT.
Open Data, Crowdsourcing, and the growing importance of community-generated data will take center-stage.
3D GIS and Virtual Reality are emerging tools for visualizing urban environments and their time is now!

Common Challenges Students Face While Using GIS

The learning curve for GIS software e.g. ArcGIS and QGIS is quite techy for most students.
Finding accessible, reliable and affordable spatial data for GIS academic projects is a notorious uphill climb.
Balancing GIS projects with hard coursework, lectures, and still remaining with me-time is one hell of a migraine you don’t want to risk!

Useful resources for students struggling with GIS homework and projects

How To Create Map in ArcGIS Pro

Learn 10 Epic Difference Between ArcGIS and QGIS

16 Geoprocessing Tools To Use In GIS Homework Like GIS Pro

Practical Solution: To overcome the above challenges, Expert Writing Help is on the other end of the line 24/7/365 with discounted online GIS assignment writing assistance, tutorials, and unlimited access to authoritative data sources. We deliver A+ quality papers way before the submission deadline, avoiding unnecessary clashes with serious GIS faculty!

How To Create Map in ArcGIS Pro

GIS involves utilization of tools in the GIS software to manage and analyze geographic(spatial) data. It mostly involves collection of data, processing and interpretation with an aim of creating maps. Other than possessing problem solving, team work, excellent communication and strong analytical skills; GIS Analysts must have knowledge of some basic geoprocessing tools. Geoprocessing tools are very essential when one wants to execute a certain analysis using the GIS software such ArcGIS Pro.

Map making mostly involves defining the core theme of the plan, defining type of map chosen to convey the theme, detecting the target audience and framing the finest way to organize, merge and configure the features to efficiently communicate the map’s intended message.

Map making in ArcGIS Pro involves five steps, namely:

Preparation
Mapping
Labelling
Layout
Proof checking

To minimize errors, the analyst must follow these steps chronologically without skipping any step.

Step One: Preparation

This is the most important in map making as it lays the foundation on the kind of output(map) that will be generated. It gives a room for the analyst to decide:Where they are going to map? What kind of scale and extend they will apply? Setting and choosing appropriate zone and coordinate system.

Firstly, Start the Software (ArcGIS Pro) and sign in. Move the cursor to the start page and click open another project, create a new layout guided by the chosen dimensions hence printing won’t be problematic. To do this, move the cursor to “new layout icon”, click and navigate to your desired size to be printed. Secondly, the empty map should be added to the layout and setting its position and size. The next step involves activation, panning and zooming of the map to desired extent and scale. To activate, in the contents pane, right click the map frame and click activate.

In addition, open the map properties and apply the set scale as a reference scale, insert a layer template, save the edits and close the map activation. Final step preparation stage involves downloading data enclosed by the defined extent and scale: and noting down the source of the data for later reference.

Move the cursor on the ribbon and click view, click reset panes and choose reset panes for mapping. This will make sure catalog and contents panes remain open. In the content pane, right click layout and click properties. On the layout properties icon, click general tab and makes the desired changes by renaming it.

Guides are useful in aligning elements on the layout. To add guidelines, right click the ruler ribbon and click add guides. In the guides dialog box, navigate to orientation and choose both. Navigate again to placement drop down arrow choose offset from edge. Choose your desired value in the margin box and click Ok.

how to create map using ArcGIS Pro — Image 1: Showing the process of choosing a desired layout.

Step Two: Mapping

This step involves adding data into the map as well as removing the unwanted layers as you merge the datasets into a single layer. It is also in this stage that will determine whether you have all the required or need some more datasets. Definition queries can be used to filter out the unwanted data to be displayed on the map.

Before adding data to the map, its important to consider the purpose of the map, the accuracy of the data in relation to the message to be conveyed, how dense the dataset is and the age of the data. To add data, move the cursor the “add data” icon, expand and click “add data to the map” > move to where you have saved your data, select the required datasets and click Ok for them to be added in the map as shown in the image 2 &3 below.

ArcGIS Pro Map layout — Image 2: Showing the location of the datasets to be added in the map.

Image 3: Showing how data is added in the map

The next move will be to create/make a new geodatabase file and exporting each of the layers into it and renaming them with new names. To create a geodatabase, in the catalog pane right click folder and click new file geodatabase. Remove the old layers from the map while keeping the new ones. Now symbolization of the data should be carried out to give it a better look/appearance.

Step Three: Labelling

This step is very crucial in map making as it gives maps better looks. First and foremost, turning on of the labelling should be done for the suitable layers.To turn on labels, choose a feature layer in the content pane. On the feature layer click labelling tab. In the layer group click on label. Secondly, create a different label class for every style of text.Thirdly, keep playing with the labelling properties until they meet your desired appearance. Lastly, convert the labels to annotation and ensure your taste is met through editing.

Step Four: Making a layout

This step involves making a map that will be used as a key. To create a new map, move the cursor to insert icon on the window ribbon and click new map. Firstly, insert a new map and choose a suitable coordinate system. To choose a suitable coordinate system, move the cursor to the map properties, click coordinate tab, click Ok to set the coordinate system. Secondly, add the key map you have created to the layout. Thirdly, create a new layout guided by the chosen dimensions hence printing won’t be problematic. The empty map should be added to the layout and setting its position and size. The next step involves activation, panning and zooming of the map to desired extent and scale. In addition, open the map properties and apply the set scale as a reference scale, insert a layer template, save the edits and close the map activation. Add some more data that can explain to the target audience/reader where in the universe they are looking at. Make appropriate symbols and label for the map.

The next move involves inserting cartographic items. To do this, click insert icon and use cursor to move over and clicking on items that you like to insert to your map. Some of these cartographic items that need to be inserted may include: Title of the map, legend, scale bar, north arrow, graticule or grid, source credits, descriptive text, graphs, charts and pictures.

how to create map layout using ArcGIS Pro — Image 4: Showing a final map with legend, scale bar, title and north arrow.

Step Five: Proof reading

This is also very important stage of mapping that should not be skipped at any cost. This stage allows the cartographer to correct some mistakes they may have made during map making. To do this, ensure all the layers necessary are turned on. First the layout must be exported in pdf format for the errors to be seen and corrected on the map. The process has to be repeated for several time to ensure that all errors are fixed.

how to create arcgis pro — Image 5: Showing the prof reading process to ensure there are minimum to no errors in the final output.

Maps can also be created from carrying some spatial analysis. Some the basic of the common analysis may include: Buffering, calculating density by container, carrying out analysis using symbology to classify the data into desired percentages, performing some network analysis such as origin destination cost matrix to determine number of facilities that can be accessed from a chosen point.

To create a map that shows some facilities that can be accessed from a specific point, origin destination cost matrix can be performed. Move the cursor to the analysis tool > move to network analysis tool and click it > import the datasets in the destination, origin and set the desired parameters > click run to execute the analysis. The output will display some destinations and origin points as shown in a final map in image 5 below.

how to create destination map in arcgis — Image 6: Showing Origin destination map (school with easy access)

This tool is useful in creating new features around other features. To buffer a feature, click the edit > click modify features. In the modify features expand construct > navigate to buffer and click it. Click the template arrow > choose a template feature > in the buffer box type your desired distance to buffer > in the rings enter the number of multiple buffers > check preview and dissolve as well, also specify the shape of the buffer product > in the pane, click buffer.

buffering geoprocessing tool in arcgis — Image 7: Showing buffering geoprocessing in ArcGIS Pro.

Symbology analysis can also be used to create specific map that classify the data into a specific class. For instance, population data can be classified into upper and lower quartile to create a specific map like the one shown below.

arcgis pro map assignment — Image 8: Showing the highest quartile of population neighborhood in terms of fast food restaurants

Higher and lower density areas in a dataset can easily be identified through creating an area density map. For instance, in the map below, the density of fast food restaurants in Toronto is calculated using container approach. The output is as shown in image 9 below.

Image 9: Showing density of fast food restaurant in Toronto(per sq km).

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16 Geoprocessing Tools Every GIS Analyst Should Know

16 Geoprocessing Tools To Use In GIS Homework Like GIS Pro

Are you a student or newbie in using GIS software and would like learn to geoprocess like an expert GIS analyst? Well, you are at the right place. In this post, we have compiled an ultimate list of top 16 geoprocessing tools that GIS analysts at our GIS homework help service do use most.

You will learn basics as well as most common ways of processing GIS data that include clipping, buffering, merging, intersecting among others. Our comprehensive list of geoprocessing tools include tools that can be used in ArcGIS and QGIS softwares.

Geoprocessing tools are very essential when one wants to execute a certain analysis using the GIS software such ArcGIS or Qgis. Some of the most common geoprocessing tools that every GIS Analyst should know:

Buffer tool
Clip tool
Merge Tool
Dissolve tool
Intersect Tool
Union Tool
The erase (Different) tool
Spatial join tool
Extract by Mask Tool
Clip Raster Tool
Extract by attributes tool
Reclassify
Project tool
Near
Calculate by Geometry
Near

Buffer geoprocessing tool

This is a reclassification process based on distance inside or without a certain closeness. The output are normally polygons around input features at a given distance. Buffer geoprocessing process works in two ways: Euclidean and Geodesic.

Euclidean measures distances in 2D (Two-Dimensional) cartesian plane whereby the distances are calculated between two destinations on a cartesian plane (flat surface). It is ideal in analyzing distances around polygons that are focused in quite a small area.
Geodesic buffering calculates distances between two location or points on a geoid surface. The methods applied determine the kind of buffers created.

In ArcMap buffering can be performed through the following procedure: Click edit tool followed by clicking the feature where buffering is to be created around> click editor menu and then buffer> type the desired distance in map scale units> Select the target in which the new feature will be created> click ok.

geoprocessing tool — Figure 1: Showing Geoprocessing Buffer Tool

Clipping geoprocessing in ArcGIS

This is creating a subset dataset from a larger dataset through cutting out a section of a certain dataset using a section or multiple of the features in another dataset. The clipping process is useful in choosing an area of interest or study area during spatial analysis. The clipping layer is always a polygon whereas the input layer can either be a polyline, points or polygons. Clipping can be performed both on vector and raster datasets. For Raster dataset, clipping is done using either graphics, data frame or polygons.

Clipping geoprocessing is as follows:

The first step involves clicking the edit tool on the editor tool bar

Clipping geoprocessing Tool — Figure 3: Showing Clipping geoprocessing Toll

Step two involves selecting the features to be clipped

Step 3 involves typing the input features, output features and the tolerance value. Click the type of clipping operation whether to maintain or discard, then Ok.

Figure 5: Showing the 3rd step in Clipping geoprocessing

Merge Geoprocessing Tool

Merging in ArcGIS involves combing chosen features of the same layer or multiple layers into a new single feature. The feature must be either from a polygon or a line layer. In addition, also data sets must be from the same data type. The selected feature can either be modified or preserved.

Merging process in ArcMap involves the following process: Clicking the edit tool bar followed by clicking the features you would like to merge. Click the merge tool then click the feature the features will be merged into and finally click Ok to execute the process.

showing merging geoprocessing — Figure 7: Showing merging geoprocessing.

Dissolve Geoprocessing tool

Dissolving tool generalizes and simplifies boundaries from a more complex to a simple. In most cases this tool adjacent edges on a common attribute values basis. The edges(boundaries) will melts into one only if the neighboring polygons share the similar dissolving attribute.

In ArcMap, dissolving tool can be accessed in the data management tool in the generalization toolset. It involves setting the fields that you would like to dissolve. To perform the dissolving geoprocessing: Click Arctoolbox> data management tool > Generalization > Dissolve > double click it. In the new window pane that appears > input files > output files will be selected automatically > Dissolve > Ok.

location dissolve tool in the Arctoolbox — Figure 8: Showing the location of Dissolve tool in the Arctoolbox

dissolving geoprocessing — Figure 9: Showing Dissolving geoprocessing.

Intersect Tool

This tool calculates a geometric connection of the input features. In most cases, percentages or features of the feature that overlay in all layers or feature classes will be inscribed to the output(product) feature class. While performing this analysis it is advisable that the input features simple one like point, polygon or polyline.

To perform this analysis in ArcMap, go the toolbar > geoprocessing > intersect > enter the input feature, out put feature class, join attributes, tolerance attribute, output type > click Ok.

intersect geoprocessing tool — Figure 10: Showing intersect geoprocessing

Union Geoprocessing Tool

The Union geoprocessing performs calculation of geometric union of whatever number of feature layers and classes. All input feature layers or classes must polygons in order for the output feature class to comprise polygons representative of geometric union of all involvements as well as the all the fields from all the input feature classes. Furthermore, union tool controls the spatial reference, clusters and cracks the features, determines geometric relationsamongst features from all feature classes and inscribes new features to the output.

To perform Union geoprocessing in ArcMap: Go to geoprocessing > navigate to union > click union > input the features > click Ok to execute the analysis.

Erase Geoprocessing Tool

Erase tool generates a product feature class by overlapping the input features with the erase features. Only those percentages of the input features falling exterior of the erase features are copied to the product feature class.

To carry out erasing geoprocessing in ArcMap: Go to geoprocessing> navigate to search > type and search erase geoprocessing tool > Enter input features > enter erase features > enter output feature class > enter tolerance > click Ok to execute the analysis.

Spatial Join Geoprocessing Tool

This tool joins attributes from one feature to another grounded on the spatial connection. The target features and the merged attributes from the combined features are inscribed in the product feature class. All attributes of the merge features are added to attributes of the target features and cliched over to the output feature class. In the process attributes to be written to the output can be defined.

Spatial join analysis can be carried out in ArcMap as follows: Click on the geoprocessing> navigate to search > type spatial join tool > click the tool > enter the target feature, join features, click Ok to execute the analysis.

spatial join geoprocessing tool — Figure 13: Showing spatial join geoprocessing.

Extract by Mask

This is a spatial analysis function that extracts the cells of a raster that correspond to the areas defined by a mask. Attributes from the input raster will be carried over to the output raster attribute table.

To perform extract by mask analysis in ArcMap, the following steps are followed: Click the geoprocessing and navigate to the search > type extract by mask > click the tool> input the Raster data, input the feature mask data, enter the output raster > Click Ok to execute the function.

Figure 14 Showing Extract by Mask Analysis

Clip Raster Geoprocessing

The Clip Raster tool permits the extraction of a percentage of a raster dataset on the basis of a template extent. The clip product comprises of any pixels that interconnect the template extent.

Clip Raster geoprocessing is carried out in ArcMap as follows: Enable image analysis Toolbar > image analysis > select the Raster to clip > enter polygon boundary to clip to > Click clip icon > click save to export Raster.

Clip Raster geoprocessing tool — Figure 15: Showing Clip Raster geoprocessing

Extract by Attributes Geoprocessing

This function involves extraction of the cells of a raster on a logical query basis. Attributes from the input raster dataset are normally passed over to the product raster attribute table. Liable on the property presence documented, part of the attribute values may require to be recalculated.

In ArcMap, extract by attribute analysis can be performed as follows: Click on geoprocessing > Navigate to search and type “extract by attributes” > Navigate to the tool > enter input raster, enter the “where value cluster”, enter the output raster > click Ok to perform the analysis.

Figure 15: Showing the extract by attributes geoprocessing.

Reclassify geoprocessing tool

Reclassify tool deals with values in a raster. The tool reclassifies the values in a raster. It uses some parameters such as “classify or unique” generates map based on the values of the input raster dataset.
Reclassify geoprocessing can be performed as follows in the ArcMap: On the geoprocessing navigate to search > enter “reclassify” > click on the tool analysis > enter the input raster, enter the reclass field, enter reclassification (whether unique or classify), enter the output raster > click Ok to execute the function.

reclass geoprocessing tool — Figure 17: Showing reclass geoprocessing

Project Geoprocessing Tool

Project geoprocessing tool is useful in projecting spatial data from one coordinate system to another. To perform this in the ArcMap, the following steps are followed: Go to Arctoolbox > Data management > projection and transformation > project > enter the input dataset or feature class, output dataset or feature class, output coordinate system > Click Ok to execute the function.

Near geoprocessing Tool

Near(analysis) tool helps the GIS Analyst to compute distance and extra nearness info between the input features and the nearby feature in another layer or feature class. To perform “near analysis” in ArcMap, the following steps are useful: On the geoprocessing navigate to the search > type “near analysis” > On the appeared tab enter the: Input features, near feature, enter the method and click Ok to execute the function.

Figure 19 Showing near(analysis) geoprocessing

Calculate by geometry geoprocessing tool

Calculate by geometry can be utilized by any GIS analyst when they want to add info to a feature’s attribute fields in place of geometric features and location of each feature like area or length, elevation and x-y coordinates.

To carry out “calculate by geometry” in ArcMap, the following steps can be followed: go to the geoprocessing and navigate to search > click and type “calculate by geometry” > click in the “add geometry attributes”> enter input features, geometry properties, length unit, area unit > click Ok to execute the function.

Figure 20 Showing calculate by geometry geoprocessing

References
Introduction to arcgis pro (no date) Introduction to ArcGIS Pro-ArcGIS Pro | Documentation. Available at: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/get-started/get-started.htm (Accessed: April 3, 2023).

Comparison Between ArcGIS and QGIS

10 Epic Difference Between ArcGIS and QGIS – GIS Software Comparison

ArcGIS is an interactive cloud-based mapping and analysis solution used to make maps, analyze share and collaborate data. However, like in every other thing under the sun, it has competition and I have to say, the competition is quite stiff for ArcGIS.

The competition comes in the form of QGIS, which is an open-source Geographic information system (GIS) that supports most geospatial vectors, raster files, as well as database formats and facilitates a seamless experience as far as mapping and data editing, is concerned.

However, in a world full of choices, we are all wired to want to go with the best there is. There are a couple of differences between the both of them that could put your mind to rest as you select the best one and I think would be to your best interest if you dived right into it and waste no more time.

Difference Between ArcGIS and QGIS — ***10 Differences bewtween ArcGIS & QGIS***

Cost

Are you a student who needs to complete his GIS or QGIS assignment? then you must be working on a budget. When working on a budget, you will go out there looking for the best tools you can get for as cheap as you can get them or preferably for free, which is where the first difference comes in.

QGIS is pocket friendly and is available for free, all that you need is a compatible gadget and a good internet connection and you are good to go. However, ArcGIS sways differently and requires paid license for you to use, which is not economical and as I break this down you will realize that despite the fact that they have attached a price tag to it, they offer less than QGIS.

While some will argue of exclusivity that is regulated by licensing, I tend to think they are missing the point of having the software by a mile. Nevertheless, let’s roll on to the next major difference between ArcGIS and QGIS.

Accessibility Tools

I thought this fits in here perfectly, after all, we can start with all the money business and get it out of the way. Having to work, the smart way (with the help of GIS software), entitles you to a couple of privileges that make your work easier, among them, accessibility tools.

Tools, will make your work a whole lot easier and having what you need is better than needing something and not having it. To make an extensive study of your map, you will need these tools and both ArcGIS and QGIS offer these, which is a thumbs up to both of them. HEYY!!That’s a similarity, we came here for the differences!!! How are they different? Calm down, here it is…

Well, QGIS provide these tools to you for free and are easily accessible at no extra or hidden costs, however, things get costly with ArcGIS, as they will need some extra pennies for you to access these tools. This has been known to be a limiting factor to most users and to be honest, I get why they would frown upon it as well. Due to accessibility and cost factors, most students who have to complete assignment using ArcGIS are forced to pay someone to do GIS assignments for them.

File Format Accessibility

When it comes to GIS, data is the major player and working from different devices as well as sourcing the data from different sources, you will be prone to getting files in different formats. Developers were therefore left with a daunting task of having this provision in their software which is why QGIS, has been termed to be quite versatile and accommodative as they have executed this with precision, accommodating a wide range of formats (estimated over 70 formats) in their software.

While you, me and QGIS agree that we need software that allows you to bring in data in different formats, ArcGIS are of a different opinion and have a very limited array of file formats for you, which from users, is not sufficient.

User-friendly Interface

Well, as far as working is concerned, the easier the better, which is why you are looking for the software to make your work and in extension your life easier. Well, ArcGIS can do this for you. Given that it is able to recognize GIS formats, all you have to do is click one simple add data button and it will get you data in the required format, well, QGIS will do the same thing for you but you will have to select all what you manually.

Reliability

In an effort to remain unbiased, I have to interject this downtrend and give one point to ArcGIS after all they are not all that bad. Working with data processing software and in this case, mapping software, reliability is of great importance and in comparison to QGIS, ArcGIS has proven its worth.

Reliability, in this case, is based on the output given and the results from ArcGIS are much better given that it has better spatial topological analytical capabilities when compared to its rival, QGIS.

Processing Time

By now you are probably used to the idea of fast internet, fast application, quick processors which might explain why gadgets are being fitted with even more processors with every production and I believe that you wouldn’t want it any other way when it comes to working. This is why one of the things you need to consider when comparing QGIS to ArcGIS. Despite the fact that ArcGIS has proven its worth as far as reliability is concerned it drops the ball on processing speed and is much slower when compared to QGIS which has better rendering capabilities as well.

Operating System

The 21st century has brought many good things and among them is the freedom of the choice of gadgets to use. Yes, this has created a rift(a healthy one of course) between android and apple users as well as those who prefer to be unique and opt for Linux. Well, if you have any of these and are looking for a GIS software then you cannot go wrong with QGIS, thanks to their accommodative nature. However, if you are an android or mac OS user, then you might just have to settle for just QGIS without the option of trying out ArCGIS, as they do not support the installation of their platform on these operating systems. Well, that is another point for QGIS.

GEODATA ( ISO, INSPIRE, NAP, FGDC…..)

Now to the juicy part of things, while both of these softwares are well capable at what they do and manage incredibly well with vector, raster and GIS data, you need to filter the data and search for missing bits of data sets thanks to filter and search tools. ArcGIS avails more options to navigate and manage the geo-data in your system files than QGIS and goes the extra mile to not only do this for data but also for models and maps.

Joining Tables

Once more, the user-friendliness property in ArcGIS dominates as it allows you to effortlessly do it by just right-clicking on a layer and then clicking the ‘join’ button.

QGIS will, however, need you to invoke your expertise in joining tables with layer properties. And while I do not doubt your ability to join tables, you are better off with easier work.

User Guide

I have to admit, ArcGIS have a really nice customer service experience as they don’t leave you high and dry to find your way through their software but will give you an elaborate document that guides you on how data can be delivered, the use of certain tools and pretty much anything that you might need to do. On the other hand, as a first time user of QGIS, you will probably need to somehow find your way through it or log onto YouTube and an Indian dude will give you a tour of all you need to know.

By this point, you are already getting the vibe, and while QGIS does not have an upper hand in everything, it comes on top as it is more accommodative and offers a vast array of options for its users. By choosing to work with QGIS, you will cut costs as well as get the most from what a geo-information system has to offer. However, if you are still curious and are looking to get hands-on experience, then you can still opt into ArcGIS, of course, with the right operating system as well as equipped with a licence fee, and you will be good to go. We can all agree that nothing beats hands-on experience, but at least you will go into it prepared and not get your hopes and expectations shattered.

One of the reasons that has made QGIS seem to be superior to ArcGIS in terms of its practicability and ease of access is due to the fact that QGIS is a community software that allows people to add on to its functionality while ArcGIS is developed and regulated by ESRI, and the team behind it has put in a lot of effort into making it a good competition. The disparity in these two operations will definitely stiffen the completion but you can expect more changes and developments in QGIS than you will find in ArcGIS. But remember, if you have a few extra bucks to spare you can run both of them concurrently.

Related Links

https://expertwritinghelp.com/blog/2020/03/27/gis-technology-in-corona-virus-disease-surveillance/

GIS Technology in Corona Virus Disease Surveillance

GIS TECHNOLOGY IN CORONA VIRUS DISEASE SURVEILLANCE

Corona Virus, otherwise known as COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that mainly affects the respiratory system and is characterized by sneezing, headache, tiredness and a dry cough.

The disease has an incubation period on between 1-14 days before developing symptoms, which is why people are advised to take a 14-day personal quarantine to avoid the spread and also ascertain that you are not infected. We cannot ignore the massive progress that has been made in this field, despite the fact that there has not been found a cure nor a vaccine. One of the best ways to join in the fight against this virus is by washing your hand regularly with soap and running water. It is also advisable to use hand sanitizers to disinfect your hands regularly as well. Remember, that it can be spread from coming into contact with contaminated persons or surfaces and this may include even money as well, which is why people are encouraged to use mobile money transfer methods and most importantly stay at home.

With scientist working around the clock to minimize the spread and also try and get a cure for the novel disease, Corona Virus, or as many of you will call it, Covid-19, they need help from every available channel and geographical data analyst have risen to the task once again to help and show them in a simplified version how the virus is spreading. So what is GIS technology? What is its relevance in relation to the Corona Virus? GIS technology is basically the collection, analyzing, manipulation and representation of spatial and geographic data as deemed relevant according to the set criteria. In our previous segment, we analyzed a couple of software that have been tested and proven time and again to be the best GIS program every GIS analyst should learn. However, amid this pandemic, how do these systems help us and what role are they playing in making sure that the human race overcomes this terror? Well, this is how. Our GIS assignment writers compiled a list of how the world can use GIS technology in Covid-19 surveillance.

As you have already heard in the news, Corona Virus can trace its origin from Wuhan China, and for a minute there the world was not all that concerned with what was happening there until the number of people rose to a couple of hundreds and eventually, the first case of the disease was felt in another country and now this got more real for everyone. During the first run of the virus, there were random speculations as the disease was affecting random people at random places and in no particular order. However with time, after collection and grouping of data, it was now established that people were affected at different rates and thus the disease manifested at different periods. With this data the world was now able to see the region covered and also able to trace how it spread, this then led to the lockdown of cities in China to avoid the spread. Now with this in mind, I am sure you now understand how the vents unfolded.

Helps predict patterns and future outbreaks

As we have heard time and again we can never know where we are going unless we know where we are coming from. GIS technology has offered us that leverage as collected data is now analyzed and well represented and in turn, trends can be predicted. So why is so important to know the trends when it comes to Corona virus? As I had mentioned in the previous segment on, all about Corona virus, The virus is spread very fast by contact with surfaces or with people who have the virus, however, the virus is not air-borne. All it takes for the virus to spread is a simple handshake, a sneeze or even coming to contact with contaminated surfaces.

When the ministry of health or CDC is able to predict the areas that might be affected next, they impose closed quarantine in those areas and also are equipped in the event of an emergency. On top of that, it also helps advice people accordingly.

Real-time tracking of Covid-19 spread

The world health organization is at the front line in helping fight this pandemic and they are doing the best they can in collaboration with both the affected countries and those that are not yet infected. Having in mind that they have this tasks in hand, they have also adopted a GIS system that assists them to get live updates of what is happening in terms of the cases being reported all over the globe. They are able to update their systems every 15 minutes with the latest news in terms of the spread and research on Corona Virus. GIS analysts have come up with a global map that shows the extent to which every country has been affected by the virus. However, the good thing is that they do not reveal the specific identities of the affected individual.

Distribution of economic aid

On a global scale, media houses have shifted their focus from the political arena, celebrity drama and right to the health sector. This has been the trend for all sectors that revolve around us. Social distancing has been stressed upon severally by the CDC, the ministry of health and even the world health organization. This without saying comes with a negative impact in terms of the world economy. This has not gone unnoticed by the World Bank which has in turn offered to work liaison with countries affected by the virus. Given that there is a variation in the geographical and number of victims in each country, they have to refer back to the data analysis presented by GIS analysts to equally give aid to countries. We can be certain that there will be a major backdrop in the standard of living in affected countries but at the same time still thankful that the World Bank has cushioned the landing.

Internal analysis

Medical facilities that are involved in the handling of patients and those in charge or research also find GIS technology quite relevant. There is so much that goes on in the medical facilities that people are not aware of but I think this is all for our good. However, given that this is a first time for us to deal with this disease, information such as its origin and all the conditions surrounding the disease, why the infection rate is higher in some regions than others is very vital. So on an internal basis, the medical institutions collect that data and share it to the concerned institutions for further development. On top of that, they also find conventional mapping to be very important and this reduces the response time when a case is found.

The world has come a long way and thanks to the ever-evolving technology, we are at an advantage even in the midst of this calamity. News surrounding Corona Virus reached every corner of the globe in less than an hour and education on its nature, how its spreads and how to protect one’s self is done on all media systems, including mainstream media and social media. This is however not the first time that GIS systems have been used, however, it is the first time that it has been used under the modern world. In the past, people used to wait for manual collection data and represent it on charts and maps, which took longer and the information ran a high risk of inaccuracy between updates. I can therefore not fail to acknowledge the major progress that has been made in this field by the day.