Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are systems designed to capture, store, analyze, manage,
and present spatial or geographic data. GIS allows us to integrate different types of data and
analyze relationships, patterns, and trends within that data.

As part of our ongoing exploration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its evolving role
in architecture, we are assigned to watch the Geospatial Revolution episode one.

The Geospatial Revolution where examines the world of digital mapping and how it is changing the
way we think, behave, and interact really caught my attention.

I imagine the development and broad use of remote sensing technologies, geographic information
systems, global positioning systems or (GPS) receivers, and online mapping tools were only a few of
the major forces behind this change.

Upon watching the video, I can say that Numerous areas and businesses, including government,
transportation, urban planning, natural resource management, agriculture, emergency response, and
business, have been significantly impacted by the geospatial revolution. It has completely changed
how we interact with and comprehend data, which has enhanced problem-solving, resource
management, and decision-making.

Also, as we can see in the video, about the Earthquake in Haiti, Geospatial data has been utilized by
emergency response agencies to enhance response, recovery, and preparedness for disasters. This
where we can realize that it really brings a huge impact to our lives.

In conclusion, the geospatial revolution has radically altered how humans perceive, use, and
comprehend spatial data. It is having an effect on a wide range of businesses and could continue to
influence society in the years to come

The geospatial revolution has been fueled by rapid advancements in technology, including
satellite imaging, Global Positioning System (GPS), remote sensing, unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These technologies have become more
accessible and cost-effective, allowing for larger application in a variety of industries.

In our field, as future architects, we use geospatial data to analyze potential building sites.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can provide information about topography, climate, soil
conditions, and proximity to amenities, helping architects make informed decisions during site
selection.

It also enable us to analyze and comply with zoning regulations and building codes. By
integrating geospatial data, architects can assess the impact of their designs on the existing
urban fabric and ensure compliance with local regulations.
During construction, geospatial technologies can be employed for monitoring progress and
managing construction projects. GPS and satellite imagery help track site developments,
ensuring that the construction aligns with the architectural plans.

Many organizations and governments have embraced open data initiatives, making geospatial
datasets freely available to the public. This openness encourages collaboration, innovation, and
the development of new applications and solutions to every design problems

how GIS has evolved since the Geospatial video ep. 1 release. I can say that the internet has
transformed geographic information systems (GIS) from isolated desktop software to web-based
platforms. Online mapping services, such as Google Maps, have grown widespread, enabling
users to easily access and share spatial information. The internet has made it easier to create
collaborative mapping environments and share geographic data globally.

In addition, GIS evolution is deeply intertwined with the evolution of data acquisition technologies.
The development of remote sensing, GPS, and open data efforts has greatly increased the
availability of spatial data. High-resolution satellite images, aerial photography, and open data
sources add to the richness of GIS databases, allowing for more precise and detailed mapping

So now, let’s proceed to another task that is given to us, we assigned to Search and read for recent
articles discussing real-world examples of GIS implementation in architectural projects. Upon searching I
saw this one article that emphasizes if, Is GIS relevant for architects? and Why do architects need to
learn GIS?

Today, GIS is not just about the topography or land-use patterns. It offers a dynamic
way of representing unseen patterns of socio-cultural, socio-economic, behavioral or
demographic data and their contextual relationships across a regional area. As
mentioned by Nicholas de Monchaux, an architect, urbanist, and professor at the
University of California, Berkeley, the modern world is moving from a place where it
was hard to find information to where we are flooded with place based data (Zeiger 2010).
Spatial data are increasingly being available over internet and they are often free or very low in
cost. In this present context of data availability, GIS offers architect so much more than just
base maps or site diagrams. It allows architects to make informed decisions based on real
world data. GIS enables architects to answer complicated questions like ‘How can we
use our buildings more effectively?’ or ‘Does a building need to be built at all?’ It is
now inevitable that GIS technology, long relied on by planners, is making its inroads into
architecture.

That article merely attempts to identify the vast possibilities of intelligent course design
which would emphasize GIS contents in architectural education. It tries to draw attention
to the fact that innovative approaches can be applied to establish conceptual
connections between GIS and architecture which would result in meaningful course
content that would establish strong ground for GIS based education and research in the
domain of architecture. The field of architecture, both in terms of practice and research, may be
heavily benefited by GIS.
That article also tries to introduce the construction of a knowledge base on the broad range of
GIS principles and applications in the domain of architectural research. It may contribute as an
eye opener towards a discussion which is crucial in the reform and restructuring
of architectural education in the changed context of thinking and practice. Architecture
education has long been criticized for not having enough research contents in its
curriculum. New courses should be developed to address this lacking. Incorporating GIS
courses may contribute towards the structuring of a new genre in architectural research.

The talk will present recent trends and applications in GIS with a focus on urban landscapes and planning. The
core concepts and future trends will be discussed, specifically with respect to urban design, planning of cities,
and citizen engagement. On this special occasion, it will also be showcased how the City of Zurich embraces
the digital transformation and uses the latest GIS technology in their planning workflows

At this point, let us proceed to the documentary I’ve watch in internet, it is entitled “Future cities: Urban
planners get creative” this documentary was very informative, it made me realize that In planning our cities we
usually forget the role of geographers, and I think that we need to know where to place urban functions first
instead of desining concrete spaces. We need to know and plan the way this places are going to interact with
the rest of the city ,and make them the most functional and optimal from the most ecological, social and
economical point of view. So, in conclusion, architects should not be in charge of planning cities but in
designing the diferent places that make them up. This is the big mistake of urban planning nowadays.