Institutions | Training | Online Education | Papers / Articles
GIS Tutor Around GRAM++ A number of GISTutors working standalone or built around commercial GIS packages are available internationally. Keeping into view the need for imparting GIS education in India and also the availability of indigenous GIS tool GRAM++, steps have been taken to build a multimedia based GIS tutor around GRAM++. GRAM++ GIS Package Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India launched a project entitled Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) to generate computer compatible, spatially oriented data bases of natural resources and socio-economic parameters to facilitate area specific micro-level planning. The project has emphasized the development of comprehensive spatial databases at district level encompassing all the resource sectors. During the project execution, a PC-based user-friendly GIS tool - GRAM (Geo Referenced Area Management) was designed to handle both positional and non-positional attributes involved in resource management. In order to handle remotely sensed images, a module for processing remotely sensed images is also provided in the package. Considering the recent developments in the PC hardware and software technology, and standardization of graphical user interfaces and the feedback received from users of different categories - government, academia, and NGO, GRAM was upgraded and a new version GRAM++ was built in Windows 95/NT environment. The package has been designed following software engineering principles and object oriented approach. While developing the package, specific features available in Windows such as multi-tasking, clip-board and drivers for input and output etc. have been used and visual programming methods are adopted so that the entire use is through dialog boxes and menu selections via icons. An online support is provided at every step. The modules in GRAM++ include Import/Export of different format data, Map Editing, Raster Analysis, Vector Analysis, Network Analysis, Spatial Query Language support for combined attribute and map based queries, Digital Image Processing, Watershed Analysis, and Map Layout.
The structure of our GIS Tutor (Fig. 1) has been designed in such a way that it can address the requirements of decision makers in need of spatial inputs, personnel from line departments who handle spatial data and the academic community. The users need not have a previous knowledge in computers or GIS. While designing the system, it was kept in mind that the total system must be highly interactive so that the users can proceed step by step. The concepts and theory of GIS are explained through graphical illustrations, supported by brief textual descriptions. Context sensitive links are provided by clicking on technical words that also enable moving to anywhere by the selection of icons. Macromedia Authorware 5 Attain has been chosen to develop the tutor as it facilitates the hyperlinks between topics, display of graphical images and text, and embed animations. The text material has been organized under various topics and links have been provided to select technical words for cross- referencing. The functions are graphically illustrated with examples and the executions are shown through animations. The user can control the speed of the animations. After each topic, a quiz is provided to test the understanding of that topic by the trainee. Uniqueness of this GIS tutor is that in addition to technical coverage of the concepts with illustration, a set of hands on exercises are provided with test data sets around GRAM++ GIS package. Technical Design of GIS Tutor
|
