Introduction to G.I.S.

& Remote Sensing

G.I.S. or Geographical Information System (GIS) basically deals with information pertaining to
spatial objects or features which can be referred or related to a specific location on the Earth‟s
surface. While the objects may be natural or manmade; information deals with large volume of
data relative to it on the earth‟s surface, and comprises of its qualitative and quantitative aspects.
G.I.S. hence can be defined as a system which provides a computerized mechanism for
integrating various geo-information datasets and analyzing them in order to generate information
relevant to planning needs. Keeping long tradition of map-making as background, G.I.S. has
been developed during mid-20th century with the development of Computer Science. The first
time operational G.I.S. was developed by Dr. Roger Tomilson of Canada in 1964, who is also
known as „Father of GIS‟. To achieve G.I.S., Remote Sensing can be adequately thought of as a
tool.
Remote sensing means obtaining information of an object, area or phenomenon without coming
in direct contact with it. The development of remote sensing over a time can be broadly divided
into the following six phases. Initial phase (upto 1920), Development of platforms and sensors
(1920-1945), Development of Teaching and Training (1945-1950), development of instruments
for interpretation (1950-60), significant phase (1960-85) and Recent development phase (1985
onwards). There are two types of remote sensing instruments, Passive and Active. Passive
instruments detect natural energy that is reflected or emitted from the observed scene. Passive
instruments sense only radiation emitted by the object being viewed or reflected by the object
from a source other than the instrument. Reflected sunlight is the most common external source
of radiation sensed by passive instruments. Scientists use a variety of passive remote sensors.
This system employs Radiometer, Imaging Radiometer, Spectrometer and Spectroradiometer.
On the other hand, Active instruments provide their own energy (electromagnetic radiation) to
illuminate the object or scene they observe. They send a pulse of energy from the sensor to the
object and then receive the radiation that is reflected or backscattered from that object. Scientists
use many different types of active remote sensors. This system employs Radar (Radio Detection
and Ranging), Scatterometer, Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) and Laser Altimeter.
Applications of G.I.S. & Remote Sensing in Environmental Engineering Practices
Remote sensing and G.I.S. is the only technique that can provide holistic approach to the study
of total environment. However, more advanced spatial and modeling techniques are required to
support the decisions of managers and policy maker.
Environmental Monitoring
It is important to monitor the quantity, health and diversity of the forests, and further related
aspects such as Deforestation (Rainforest, mangrove colonies), Species inventory, Watershed
protection, Coastal protection etc.
Geological Application
It is a fact that Geology helps in the study of landforms, structures and the subsurface. So as to
understand the various physical processes creating and modifying the earth‟s crust.
Remote sensing is used as a tool to extract information regarding the land structure composition
or subsurface. In this arena, its applications encompass Surface deposit/bedrock mapping,
lithological mapping, structural mapping, sand and gravel exploration, mineral exploration,
hydrocarbon exploration, environmental geology, geo-botany, sediment mapping and
monitoring, event mapping and monitoring, geo-hazard mapping and planetary mapping.

Urban mapping applications

While majority of remote sensing work has been focused on natural environments over the past
decades, applying remote sensing to urban areas is relatively a newer application. Most urban
sensing technology is relatively driven by technology advances and societal needs. The
applications are as follows:
E-Hydrological Applications
Water Pollution Control
Soil Water and Drought Monitoring for early Warning Applications
Application of Remote Sensing in Coastal Ecosystem
NGO‟s
The term, "non-governmental organization" or NGO, came into currency in 1945 because of the
need for the UN to differentiate in its Charter between participation rights for intergovernmental
specialized agencies and those for international private organizations. They only have to be
independent from government control, not seeking to challenge governments either as a political
party or by a narrow focus on human rights, non-profit-making and non-criminal.

The structures of NGOs vary considerably. They can be global hierarchies, with either a
relatively strong central authority or a more loose federal arrangement. With the improvement in
communications, more locally-based groups, referred to as grass-roots organizations or
community based organizations, have become active at the national or even the global level.
At times NGOs are contrasted with social movements. Much as proponents of social movements
may wish to see movements as being more progressive and more dynamic than NGOs, this is a
false dichotomy. NGOs are components of social movements.
Operational NGOs have to mobilize resources, in the form of financial donations, materials or
volunteer labor, in order to sustain their projects and programs. This process may require quite
complex organization. Charity shops, staffed by volunteers, in premises provided at nominal
rents and selling donated goods, end up providing finance to the national headquarters.
Fund-raising is still necessary, but on a smaller scale and it can serve the symbolic function of
strengthening the donors' identification with the cause. Persuading people to donate their time is
necessary, but, in addition to a small number of people giving a great deal of time, it is also
necessary to be able to mobilize large numbers for brief periods. External donors may not impose
onerous administrative burdens, but supporters still have to be supplied with information on an
efficient regular basis.
Narmada Bachao Andolan, Chipko movement, Green Peace, WWF are few acclaimed NGO‟s.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT [E.I.A.]

EIA is a tool used for decision-making regarding developmental projects and programs and it
may be defined as a formal process used to predict the environmental consequences of any
developmental project.
EIA thus ensures that the potential problems are foreseen and addressed at an early stage in the
project planning and design.
EIA is intended to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a proposed
development prior to decision-making.
Objectives: Identify, predict, and evaluate potential environmental, social, economic impacts.
Best practicable environmental options
Utilise alternative strategies
To analyze adverse effects due to all project activities on the total environment in a systematic
manner
To modify the project activities or to implement waste management programs to minimize
pollution levels before disposal
To select best alternatives with minimum adverse effects
Resource conservation/waste minimization/recovery of by products

Benefits:
Reduced cost and time of project implementation
Cost saving modifications in project design
Increased project acceptance
Avoiding impacts and violations of laws and regulations
Avoiding impacts and violations of laws and regulations
Improved project performance
Avoiding waste treatment/cleanup expenses
Deceased resource use
Maintenance of biodiversity
Fewer conflicts over natural resource
Increased community skills.
Improved human health
EIA process can be CEIA [COMPREHENSIVE] and/or REIA [RAPID].
The 2 distinct stages in EIA are
[1] Preliminary Assessment (carried out in the early stages of planning)
[2] Detailed assessment (carried out during project planning until the project plan is completed
and is reported formally as an environmental impact statement.
Public hearing is a key facet of any EIA project depending on its magnitude where in area
inhabitants to be impacted are informed of the developmental process in presence of Govt and
Project Employees.
The key elements are:
SCOPING - identifying key issues and concerns of interested parties
SCREENING – deciding whether an EIA is required based on information collected.
Identifying and evaluating ALTERNATIVES: listing alternative sites and techniques and the
impact of each.
MITIGATION measures – dealing with uncertainty; reviewing proposed action to prevent or
minimize the potential adverse effects of the project.
Issuing environmental STATEMENTs; reporting the finding of EIA.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS [E.M.S.]

An Environmental Management System (“EMS”) is a tool that is continuously growing in

importance for companies. Most companies need to manage their products/services, employee
safety, public opinion, environmental impact and other related opportunities. An EMS
encompasses the methods and means to manage all of these aspects within your organization and
helps you run and document its programs for environment-related management. If you want to
become certified to ISO 14001:2015 we offer an all-in one certification package.
This can and does include comprehensive and systematic planning and commitment of key
resources for developing, implementing and maintaining procedures for the preservation of the
environmental systems of the planet. Basically, an EMS allows an organization to continuously
monitor and improve all of their processes and impacts as it relates to the environmental system
that they have created as part of their ongoing operations.
ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an
organization can use to enhance its environmental performance. ISO 14001:2015 is intended for
use by an organization seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic
manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability.
ISO 14001:2015 helps an organization achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental
management system, which provide value for the environment, the organization itself and
interested parties. Consistent with the organization's environmental policy, the intended
outcomes of an environmental management system include:
 Enhancement of environmental performance;
 fulfillment of compliance obligations;
  achievement of environmental objectives.
ISO 14001:2015 is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type and nature, and
applies to the environmental aspects of its activities, products and services that the organization
determines it can either control or influence considering a life cycle perspective. ISO 14001:2015
does not state specific environmental performance criteria.
ISO 14001:2015 can be used in whole or in part to systematically improve environmental
management. Claims of conformity to ISO 14001:2015, however, are not acceptable unless all its
requirements are incorporated into an organization's environmental management system and
fulfilled without exclusion.