`
`_
`
`GIS Today and Tomorrow"
`
`
`
`ESRI WHITE PAPER SERIES
`
`SEPTEMBER T992
`
`
`
`ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCHINSTITUTE.INC
`
`Page 1 of 53
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`CORELOGIC EXHIBIT 1022
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`Page 1 of 53
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`CORELOGIC EXHIBIT 1022
`
`
`
`Copyright © 1992 Environmental Systems Research Institute. Inc.
`All Rights Reserved.
`Printed in the United States of America
`
`The information contained in this document is the exclusive property of Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
`This work is protecmd under United States Copyright law and other international copyright treaties and conventions. No
`part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical. including
`photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as expressly permitted in writing
`by Environmental Systems Research Institute. Inc. All requests should be sent to Environmental Systems Research
`Institute, Inc, 380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92373 USA, Attention: Contracts Manager.
`
`The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
`
`RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND
`Use, duplication and disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in FAR § 52.227-14 (JUN
`1987) Alternate III (g)(3) (JUN 1987), FAR §52.227-I9 (JUN 1981'), orDFARS § 252227-7013 (c)(l)(ii) (OCT 1988)
`of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause, as amlicable. ContractorManufacturer is Environmental
`Systems Research Institute, Inc., 380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92373 USA.
`
`ESRI, ARCflNFO, and PC ARCIINFO are registered trademarks of Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. The
`ESRI logo. ARCHNFO COGO, ARCJ'INFO NETWORK, ARCIINFO TIN, ARCIWPO GRID, LIBRARIAN.
`ARCEDIT, ARCPLOT, ARC Macro Language, DATABASE INTEGRATOR, IMAGE IN'I‘EGRATOR, ArcView,
`ArcCAD, ARC News, ARCwar-e, FonnEdit, PC ARCEDIT. PC ARCPLOT. PC OVERLAY. PC NETWORK,
`PC DATA CONVERSION, and PC ARCIINFO STARTER KIT are trademarks of Environmental Systems Research
`Institute, Inc. ARCMAIL is a service mark of Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
`
`PostScript and Adobe Illustrator are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems. Inc. Apple and Macintosh are registered
`trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. CalComp is a
`trademark of CalComp, Inc. AViiON is a trademark of Data General Corporation. DEC, DECstation, DEC/VAX,
`VAXstation, and Rdb are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation. ERDAS is a registered u'ademark and Live Link
`is a trademark of ERDAS, Inc. INFO is a trademark of Hence Software, Inc. Hewlett—Packard, HP, and HP Apollo are
`registered trademarks of Hewlett~Packard Company. IBM and IBM PC AT are registered trademarks and RISC
`SystemftSOOO, DBZ, SQU400, SOLIDS, and Viaduct are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
`INFORMIX is a registered trademark of INFORMIX Software, Inc. INGRES is a registered trademark of INGRES
`Corporation. Intergraph is a registered trademark of lntergraph Corporation. Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered
`trademarks and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. NEC is a registered trfiemark of Nippon Electric
`Corporation. ORACLE is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. OSFfMotif is a trademark of Open Software
`Formdation, Inc. Prime is a trademark of Prime Computers, Inc. Scitex is a registered trademark of Scitex Corporation.
`Ltd. Silicon Graphics is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc. SPARCstation is a trademark of SPARC
`International, Inc. Sun Microsystems is a registered trademark and Sun-3 and Sun-4 are trademarks of Sun
`Microsystems, Inc. SYBASE is a registered trademark of SYBASE, Inc. UNIX and OPEN LOOK are registered
`trademarks of UNIX Systems Laboratories, Inc. Versatec is a trademark of Versatec, Inc. Other companies and
`trademarks herein are trademarks of their respective companies.
`
`Page 2 of 53
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`Page 2 of 53
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`
`—6—H H102”?
`
`ARC/INFO
`GIS Today and
`Tomorrow
`
`This white paper provides the basic information needed to evaluate
`ARCJ'INFO® software, the world‘s leading geographic information
`system (GIS). It explains GIS concepts and describes how
`ARCHNFO provides GIS solutions. When you have finished reading
`this document you will know how ARC/INFO works and how it is
`supported, and understand its underlying design philosophy.
`
`ARC/INFO was developed and is supplied by Environmental Systems
`Research Institute. Inc. (ESRI). This white paper also describes
`ESRJ‘s commitment to GIS and the organizational structure that
`supports ARCflNFO.
`
`6185 are recognized today as useful and necessary tools, and are
`widely used in many organizations, public and private, around the
`world. Utility companies use them for facilities management.
`Politicians use them to adjust political boundaries. Delivery
`companies use them to route vehicles. Environmental scientists use
`them to manage wildlife. Police departments use them to study crime
`patterns.
`
`As a user, as well as a supplier of GIS technology, ESRI is aware of
`the ever-increasing need for integrated systems. Future GISs must
`openly accept new functionality, flexibly adapt to virtually any
`application or technology, and present information through a
`SOphisticated, yet easy-to—use, style of interaction. ARC/INFO is the
`future of GIS.
`
`Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
`380 New York Street, Redlauds. CA 92373
`E
`
`(714) 793-2353
`FAX (3’14) 793-5953
`Telex 910 332 131?
`
`Page 3 of 53
`
`LIBMR?
`
`Page 3 of 53
`
`
`
`W—
`
`Contents
`
`Section
`
`'
`
`Page
`
`ARC/INFO: An Integrated Answer
`
`Five Parts of a G18
`
`Trends
`
`ESRI Software Philosophy
`
`Data Models
`
`Data Types
`
`ARC/INFO Tools
`
`Graphic User Interface
`
`Supported Hardware Environments
`
`Software Connections
`
`ARC/INFO Applications
`
`ESRI
`
`2
`
`3
`
`5
`
`6
`
`1 1
`
`25
`
`27
`
`37
`
`40
`
`41
`
`44
`
`45
`
`Environmental Systems Research Institute. Inc.
`330 New York Street. Redlauds. CA 923273
`
`(714) 793-2853
`FAX {714) 793-5953
`Telex 910 332 131?
`
`Page 4 of 53
`
`Page 4 of 53
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`
`
`ARCHNFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
`2
`
`614153107“?
`
`ARC/INFO: An
`Integrated Answer
`
`In making a decision on implementing a comprehensive GIS solution,
`a number of questions are likely being asked about the competing GIS
`systems and the respective companies that develop and support them.
`
`Which GIS Is Best for
`
`I
`
`My Applications?
`
`Which vendor can offer me the most technically advanced
`product?
`
`Which vendor can provide me with the best technical and user
`support?
`
`Which vendor has the highest quality documentation and user
`education program?
`
`Which vendor has the largest customer installation base for
`sharing of data and ideas?
`
`Which vendor is most committed to research and development?
`
`Which vendor can provide the various components of my
`organization with the most integrated geoprocessing system?
`
`Which vendor can be most trusted to support my system over the
`long term?
`
`Which vendor leads the industry with technological
`breakthroughs?
`
`Which vendor has the greatest market share?
`
`Which vendor has the best reputation in the GIS industry?
`
`Which vendor is most stable financially?
`
`Which vendor literally invented commercial GISs?
`
`This document describes the ability of ESRI and its ARCHNFO
`software to meet your requirements and more. In keeping with
`ESRI's commitment to technological advances and indusuy-leading
`geoprocessing breakthroughs, this document is written with special
`
`September 1992
`
`Page 5 of 53
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`Page 5 of 53
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`6-14 IB.D2.DTWP
`
`The Future of GIS
`
`Five Parts of a GIS
`
`Applications
`
`ARCIINFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
`3
`
`emphasis on how the latest enhancements to the ESRI® ARCHNFO
`software will satisfy y0ur geoprocessing'rieeds.
`
`As GIS becomes more widely used in many industries and
`organizations for an ever-increasing number of applications, it
`becomes more apparent that the system needs to be more integrated
`and less modular. Disparate applications must all function under the
`umbrella of a single. integrated system. The key to the future of GIS
`is the ability of the data model to openly accept new functionality and
`flexibly adapt to virtually any application. ARCIINFO is the future of
`GI S.
`
`A GIS is more than just hardware and software. At ESRI, we believe
`these technologies must merge with data, people, and applications to
`make a fully functional geoprocessing system. ESRJ provides more
`than just technology; we provide complete GIS solutions. The five
`parts of a GIS—applications, people, data, hardware. and software“
`also describe ESRI‘s commitment to GIS.
`
`Organizational needs define the goals of the GIS, and these needs vary
`from site to site. To be effective, the GIS must provide core
`functionality, yet be adaptable and extensible to the unique
`requirements of each application. ARCfINFO software's ARC Macro
`Language (AML)“‘ capabilities allow for the development of simple
`and easy-to-use or sophisticated applications designed specifically for
`your organization, using your own terminology and procedures. Our
`off-the—shelf applications systems can help you to get started quickly
`in applications as diverse as redistricting or crime analysis-
`ARCIDJFO software's open architecture allows for easy integration of
`custom applications written in C or FORTRAN. ESRI offers custom
`software application development services to focus GIS precisely on
`your needs.
`
`People
`
`ESRI is a highly skilled and dedicated group of people, educated and
`experienced in many disciplines. ESRI personnel resources are
`available to help your GIS personnel become experts. A complete
`training program, clear and concise documentation, and responsive
`
`— E
`
`nvironmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
`380 New York Street, Rediands, CA 92373
`
`(714) 793-2353
`FAX (T14) 'i'93-5953
`Telex 910 332 I317
`
`Page 6 of 53
`
`Page 6 of 53
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`
`
`ARCIINFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
`—4
`
`GM mean”?
`
`Data
`
`Hardware
`
`
`
`technical support services ensure that your people thoroughly
`understand ARCHNFO and GIS, and can apply it knowledgeably to
`solve complex problems within your organizatiOn.
`.
`
`The geographic database is the most expensive and long-lived
`component of the GIS, thus making data entry 3 very important
`consideration. Because ARCHNFO integrates a variety of data types
`from a variety of sources, it provides multiple data entry options.
`ARC/MFG offers efficient data entry methods for automating paper
`maps and other nondigital data sources. To take advantage of the vast
`collection of geographically referenced data that already exist in digital
`format, ARCHNFO provides the most comprehensive data conversion
`capability of any GIS on the market. ARCIINFO software's
`integrative capabilities also allow data sharing with other applications
`without the need for data conversion.
`
`ARCHNFO'S hardware independence offers you several distinct
`advantages. Hardware independence lets you choose the computer
`platform that best meets the needs of your organization by allowing
`you to take advantage of your existing hardware investment or giving
`you the freedom to choose a new system based on your requirements,
`such as performance, expandability, support, cost, and so forth.
`
`I ARCIINFO software runs on all four major classes of computers
`(PCs, engineering workstations. minicornputers, and mainframes)
`using native operating systems.
`
`I ARCIINFO software runs on more than twenty different hardware
`platforms, including Sun, Hewlett—Packard, IBM, Digital
`Equipment Corporation, Silicon Graphics, Prime, NBC, Data
`General, Intergraph, and others.
`
`I ESRI has established reseller relationships with hardware
`vendors, allowing us to propose complete turnkey GIS systems
`if so desired by the client
`
`September 1992
`
`Page 7 of 53
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`Page 7 of 53
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`
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`ARCJINFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
`— G
`
`l 4 ”3.02.07“?
`
`5
`
`Software While the investments in applications, people, data, and hardware far
`exceed the investment in software, the software ties it all together.
`ESRI's software serves as an integrative force in an organization,
`allowing multiple and scattered sources of information to be accessed
`from a single workstation using one software system. The ESRI
`product line includes ARC/INFO, ARC/INFO COGOW, ARC/INFO
`TIN”, ARCHNFO NETWORK“, ARCHNFO GRID”, ArcView‘",
`ArcCADm, and PC ARC/lNFO® software. In addition to off-the-
`shelf technology, ESRJ offers a full suite of software services to meet
`the specific needs of individual clients. ARCfINFO adheres to
`industry standards and open systems, and is designed to keep pace
`with technological and organizational trends.
`
`Trends
`
`At least once a year, and often more frequently, ESRI releases an
`ARCJ'INFO revision to provide enhancements requested by
`ARCIH'JFO users, and to incorporate appropriate new technology and
`functionality designed and deveIOped by ESRI's renowned software
`engineering group. Trends in the computer industry, in general, and
`the GIS industry, in particular, also influence ESRl's decisions to
`release revisions of ARCIINFO.
`
`Advances in
`Technology
`
`Technological advancesh-wsuch as the dropping cost of computer
`power, new developments in workstation and network architecture,
`advances in graphic user interface technology, the move toward an
`instrumental universe, and the adoption of new industry standards—
`give GIS more power and versatility to solve problems. Recent
`advances in desktop computer technology have brought sophisticated
`software within the reach of many more people. ESRI has developed
`new geoprocessing tools designed to take advantage of the latest
`technology, and to bring sephisticated GIS capabilities to your
`desktop.
`
`Complex With the maturation of GIS technology and the realization of many
`Problems
`new sophisticated uses for it, GISs are continuing to solve very
`simple problems, but increasingly are also expected to solve more
`complex problems.
`
`Environmental Systems Research Institute. Inc.
`330 New York Street, Redlauds, CA 92373
`
`(714) 793—2853
`FAX (714) 193-5953
`Telex 910 332 1311
`
`Page 8 of 53
`
`Page 8 of 53
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`
`
`ARCIINFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
`—6
`
`G-Iamnzmwp'
`
`Data
`
`Variety
`
`Data
`
`Volume
`
`GIS users take advantage of many types of data to solve these
`complex problems—not just multiple vector data types (such as DXF.
`DLG, TIGER, etc.), but other types of data (various raster files,
`scanned documents, satellite images, video images, etc..). That 6153
`must employ a wide variety of data is apparent.
`
`Dara volume, along with data variety, is also increasing. The
`amount of data in the world is growing at an explosive rate. Large
`and varied data sets are required to solve more complex problems.
`6183 create data and must also use existing data from a wide variety
`of applications.
`
`ESRI Software
`
`Philosophy
`
`While industry trends influence ESRI's software development
`decisions, the most influential factor is our users. At ESRI, our users
`are our most important advocates and sources of ideas. When they
`ask us for enhancements to ARCHNFO software, we respond.
`
`ESRl's philosophy is to provide our users with the types of
`technologically advanced geoprocessing tools they need to get their
`jobs done. ESRI's continued success in the global GIS market can be
`attributed to a number of factors that spring from this philosophy.
`
`I ARCIINFO software engineering is based on open systems and
`enables adaptation to technological trends, allowing you to take
`advantage of the latest technological developments.
`
`I ARCIINFO combines a simple data model with a highly
`sophisticated set of geoprocessing tools, thus providing you with
`the most advanced geographic modeling and analysis capabilities
`available in the GIS market.
`
`I ARCIINFO software‘s simple, yet practical, data model integrates
`many types of data—raster, vector, image, CAD, tabular, surface,
`and video—providing you with a single geoprocessing system
`performing the functions that require a number of separate
`products from other vendors.
`
`—S
`
`eptember 1992
`
`Page 9 of 53
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`Page 9 of 53
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`
`
`6-] l- ] £102.03“?
`
`ARC/INFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
`7
`
`I ARCHNFO software's SOphisticated tools for development of
`application macros enable it to adapt to almost any requirement,
`giving you an easy avenue for developing and customizing the
`software to suit your specific needs.
`
`I ARCHNFO adheres to industry standards, letting your GIS talk
`to, and work with, other standard applications-
`
`ESRI's commitment to research and development is unequaled in the
`GIS industry. As an ARCflNFO user, you not only have access to
`breakthroughs in GIS technology before anyone else, but you also
`play an important role in the development of these breakthroughs.
`
`AROINFO is designed to be open and evolutionary. Based on
`proven technology but highly extensible, ARCIINFO incorporates
`new technologies as they develop- Careful, sophisticated, and highly
`structured software engineering has allowed us to revisit and advance
`the data model. functionality, and user interface of our product
`
`Open, Evolutionary,
`and Adaptive
`
`Toolbox
`
`ARCfINFO continues to prove itself adaptable to highly varied user
`requirements and current technology trends. The ARCIINFO toolbox,
`a generic nonapplication-specific approach to GIS, allows ARCJINFO
`to adapt to virtually any situation.
`
`— E
`
`nvironmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
`330 New York Street. Redlands. CA 92373
`
`(714) 793—2853
`FAX (714) 793-5953
`Telex 910 332 13!?
`
`Page 10 of 53
`
`Page 10 of 53
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`
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`ARCHNFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
` 8
`
`GI ll-l1'3..1'.Z'2.l.'i’.i'\'a"]i'
`
`Related Symbol
`
`Database
`
`
`
`Specific applications for almost any organization can and are being
`developed by ESRI and our cooperative business partners, using
`ARCJ'INFO software's comprehensive collection of tools. Moreover,
`these organizations all benefit from the unifonn implementation of the
`ARCfINFO system.
`
`ARCJINFO software is both integrative and integrated. ESR]
`strives to make ARCJINFO an integrative tool within organizations.
`A common GIS database used for multiple purposes has proven to be
`a cost effective approach to multidisciplinary problem solving.
`ARC/INFO is also designed to be an integrated set of tools,
`allowing the user to perform varied functions from within a single.
`common geoprocessing system. Optional features are implemented as
`fully integrated extensions to the core package.
`
`Integration
`
`September 1992
`
`Page 11 of 53
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`Page 11 of 53
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`
`
`ARCIINFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
` Gel-1.113.020?“
`
`Open Look
`
`Graphic User Interface
`
`Management
`Tools
`
`DATABASE
`
`
`
`Standards
`
`ESRl sees standards as important because they give you more
`opportunity to choose among technical alternatives and preserve
`investments in data and expertise. Standards are advantageous to us
`as well because they ensure that software will be extensible into the
`future. Standard interfaces enable ARCXINFO software to work
`
`seamlessly with other products. ESRI adheres to relevant industry
`standards, and has played an important role in establishing now-
`recognized standards where none previously existed. For example,
`ESRI recently developed the new standard data format (VPF) for the
`Defense Mapping Agency. ESRI supports all standards applicable to
`GIS, and ESRI personnel are members of the national and industry-
`based committees that develop many of the standards. ESRI has been
`influencing and designing standards for GIS for longer than most
`other GIS vendors have been in business-
`
`Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
`380 New York Street. Redlands. CA 92373
`
`(714) 793-2853
`FAX (714] 793-5953
`Telex 910 332 131?
`
`Page 12 of 53
`
`Page 12 of 53
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`
`
`ARCIINFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
`— 1
`
`G “10.02.01“?
`
`0
`
`Research and
`Development
`
`Software
`Engineering
`
`Summary of ESRI's
`Software Philosophy
`
`Emphasis on research and development “all“: key to the long-term
`viability of GIS software. Without a strong commitment to research
`and development, the software cannot grow as fast as the needs of its
`users. At ESRI, we do more than stay Current with industry trends
`and standards; we create them. With ARCHNFO, GIS users have the
`opportunity to use and apply sophisticated tools that will not be
`available from competing software packages for months or years.
`Every year, ESRI dedicates approximately 20 percent of its total
`revenue to research and development. ARC/INFO software was the
`world's first commercial GIS, and ESRI is committed to maintaining
`ARCJ'INFO as the GIS leader through the most comprehensive
`research and development program in the industry.
`
`ARCHNFO software is founded on machine independence, and runs
`equally well on any platform. This is why ARCHNFO runs so well
`under so many different operating systems on so many different
`computers, from PCs to workstations and from minicomputers to
`mainframes. When the focus of the computer industry shifted from
`minicomputers to workstations, ARCHNFO was rewritten to take full
`advantage of the capabilities of each hardware vendor's UNIX®
`environment. ARC/1NF0 is fully optimizedfor each supported
`hardware platform and takes advantage of variations in specific
`hardware vendor implementations of the UNIX operating system.
`
`ESRl's software philosophy has resulted in a superior product that
`has withstood the tests of time and competition. This is apparent
`when considering the role that ESRI's research and development
`efforts play in defining major new directions in GIS technology. and
`considering the ease with which these enhancements are implemented
`in the ARCIINFO data model.
`
`September 1992
`
`Page 13 of 53
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`Page 13 of 53
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`
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`G—le‘lflZflTWF
`
`l 1
`
`ARCIINFO: 018 Today and Tomorrow
`
`Data Models
`
`
`
`The backbone of ESRI‘s ARCfINFO GIS is the data model.
`ARCHNFO is based on a georelational daia model, which abstracts
`geographic information into a series of independently defined layers or
`coverages. This approach borrows heavily from the concepts of a
`relational database management system (DBMS). The integration of
`ARCIINFO with numerous leading DBMSS further extends the
`strengths of the georelational data model. In this section, the concept
`of a data model is introduced and its importance explained. The
`ARCHNFO data model is then defined in more detail.
`
`Data Models
`versus Reality
`
`A data model is aformal system, in which a set of precisely defined
`objects can be manipulated in accordance with a set of precisely
`defined rules, without any regard for the "meaning" or real-world
`interpretation of those objects or rules. Reality is an informal
`system. a system of immense complexity. The difficulty in defining a
`comprehensive and useful data model is to find a formal system
`whose behavior mimics the informal behavior of the real world as
`
`closely as possible.
`
`The GIS
`Data Model
`
`A 615 is a formal collection of spatial operators that act on a spatial
`database in order to relate the user to the real world. A GIS models
`
`geographic reality, specifically those 215me of interest to an
`application. An accurate data model enables display and analysis of
`geographic reality in ways impossible without a computer. A GIS
`data model must represent and relate both graphic and tabular data. In
`addition, a 618 can be used to simulate extremely complex real-world
`events and situations. This complexity puts an even greater strain on
`the formal 618 model to accurately imitate the informal behavior of
`reality.
`
`The ARC/INFO The basic ARCflNFO data model is generic and very simple—it
`Data Model
`describes abstract geographic featurekpoints. lines, and areas—
`whose attributes are kept in relational tables. The ARCIINFO data
`model is a hybn'd geonelational data model based on a cartographic
`database. Data are stored using a topological data structure in a
`collection of coverages. Coverages are basic units of vector data
`storage and can represent several types of geographic features.
`
`Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
`380 New York Street. Redlands. CA 9233'3
`
`(714) 793-2853
`FAX (714) T935953
`Telex 910 332 1317
`
`Page 14 of 53
`
`Page 14 of 53
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`
`
`ARCflNFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
`— 1
`
`Iii-1413.02.”
`
`2
`
`The power of ARCflNFO can be attributed to the strength and
`flexibility of the data model. Each ARCITNFO application builds a
`specific data model on the base generic data model. For example, a
`transportation application specifically models roads using the generic
`line data entity.
`
`A detailed description of the ARCfINFO data model can be divided
`into the following specific areas:
`
`Cartographic database
`Geomlational data model
`
`Coverage concept
`Feature class concept
`Topological data structure
`Map library
`
`In developing an understanding of the data model, it is important to
`keep in mind the basic definition of ARC/INFO; that is, the integration
`of graphic data and information. "ARC" is a generic term referring to
`graphic data. “INFO" is an abbreviation referring to information
`of many types, including vector data, tabular data. surfaces, video,
`raster data, scanned images, documents, and so forth. The acronym
`"ARCHNFO" refers to the integration of a variety of graphic and non-
`graphic data types and sources by a single geoprocessing system.
`ARCfINFO represents the integration of maps and all other
`"infonnation" data sets.
`
`ESRI's ARCIINFO software is a cartographic database system built
`around a hybrid data model. It organizes geographic data using a
`georelational and topological model, as described in detail in the next
`two sections. This facilitates efficient handling of the two generic
`classes of spatial data: locational data. graphically describing the
`location and topology of point, line, and area features; and attribute
`data, the information describing the characteristics of these features.
`ARCJ'INFO software's cartographic database is a collection of spatial
`data and related descriptive data organized for efficient storage and
`retrieval by many users.
`
`Cartographic Database
`
`September 1992
`
`Page 15 of 53
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`Page 15 of 53
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`
`
`ARCIINFO: 613 Today and Tomorrow
`
`G- I 45 ”3.02.07“?
`13
`
`Soils
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`.
`........
`'
`
`
`
`
`Land Use
`
`Geology
`
`Fioodplain
`
`Etc-
`
`— Load parcels
`- Utility lines
`- Planimatric features
`
`- Graphic symbology
`
`
`
`Explicit
`Integration
`
`
`
`Topologically Structured
`Cartographic Data Display
`and Manipulation
`
`
`Tabular Data Integration
`and Manipulation
`(using a Relational Database
`Management System)
`
`Environmental Systems Research Institute. Inc.
`380 New York Street, Redlands. CA 92318
`
`(714) 793-2853
`FAX (T14) 793-5953
`Telex 910 332 131?
`
`Page 16 of 53
`
`Page 16 of 53
`
`
`
`ARCJINFO: 013 Today and Tomorrow
`
`G I 4 | 3.02.07“?
`14
`
`Polygons
`
`Lines
`
`Points
`
`Coordinate
`Data
`
`
`
`
`
`
`VAR
`1
`
`VAR VAR
`2
`3
`
`Georelational Data
`Model
`
`The georelational approach involves abstracting geographic
`information into a series of independently defined layers or coverages,
`each representing a selected set of closely associated geographic
`features (e.g.. roads, streams, and forest stands). With this approach,
`users can combine simple features in the data model quickly and
`flexibly to create complex feature sets representing complex
`relationships in the real world. This approach borrows heavily from
`the concepts of relational DBMSs and is typically closely integrated
`with such systems.
`
`September 1992
`
`Page 17 of 53
`
`Page 17 of 53
`
`
`
`ARCJDIFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
`G- momma-r
`15
`
`
`
`The Georelational Model
`
`ESRI has implemented an advanced georelational approach to GIS in
`its ARCIINFO software because it gives our users the most powerful
`and flexible data management and analysis tools available for working
`with geographic data. This georelational approach also allows the
`software to be used successfully for a broad range of applications.
`
`The basic unit of data management in ARCHNFO software is the
`coverage, which defines locational and thematic attributes for map
`features in a given area. A coverage is a digital version of a single
`map sheet layer and usually describes One type of map feature. such as
`roads. parcels. soil units, or forest stands. The coverage concept is
`based on the topological model of geographic information and may
`contain several types of geographic information in the fonn of various
`feature classes of data.
`
`Coverage Concept
`
`— E
`
`nvironmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
`380 New York Street. Redlands. CA 92373
`
`(714) 793—2853
`FAX (T14) 793-5953
`Telex 910 332 131':'
`
`Page 18 of 53
`
`Page 18 of 53
`
`
`
`ARCIINFO: 018 Today and Tomorrow
`
`B-HlflflZflTWP
`16
`
`Node
`Label Point
`
`-
`
`Polygon
`
`Annotation
`
`
`Coverage SOILS
`
`Feature Attn'bute Table SOILSPAT
`
`In a coverage. map features are stored as simple points, arcs, or
`polygons. The locational data about these features may be represented
`explicitly (as a series of x,y coordinates) or topologically (as a
`combination of other features). For example, city streets might be
`represented by a set of arcs and stored as sets of ordered x,y
`coordinates that define each street, whereas each city block might be
`defined by the set of streets comprising its border.
`
`— S
`
`eptember 1992
`
`Page 19 of 53
`
`Page 19 of 53
`
`
`
`ARCIINFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
`Guinean-twp
`17
`
`A coverage is stored as a set of
`files. Note that not allfites need
`to be presentfor every coverage.
`
`Dlreetory Organizatlort ot a Coverage
`'
`
`
`
`The feature class is the fundamental unit of the ARC/INFO geographic
`database. A coverage can contain several feature classes. A feature
`class represents a specific type of geographic data Each feature class
`may have associated attribute tables. Each table defines the attributes,
`called items, for all features of that class in the coverage. Each
`individual feature has a record in its attribute table. The feature
`
`attribute tables are an integral part of the coverage and are processed
`by ARC for all ARCIINFO commands that affect the coverage. The
`basic feature classes used in ARCIINFO and the Specific types of
`geographic information that they represent are summarized below.
`
`I Are. An arc is a continuous string of x,y coordinate pairs
`(vertices) beginning at one location and ending at another location,
`having length but no area. An arc is a digital line.
`
`— E
`
`nvironmental Systems Research Institute. Inc.
`330 New York Street. Rediamds, CA 92373
`
`[714) 793-2853
`FAX (714) 7935953
`Telex 910 332 1317
`
`Feature Class Concept
`
`Page 20 of 53
`
`Page 20 of 53
`
`
`
`ARCIINFO: GIS Today and Tomorrow
`
`18
`
`GAl-ilBflZflTW'P
`
`Node. Nodes are the beginning and ending locations of an arc,
`and are topologically linked to all arcs 'tfiat meet at the node.
`
`Polygon. A polygon is an areal feature topologically defined by
`the series of arcs comprising its boundary; it contains a label point
`inside its boundaries, and has attributes-
`
`Label point. Label points are used to represent point features
`(e.g., telephone poles, well sites, or mountain peaks), or to
`identify a polygon so that additional attribute information can be
`related to the feature-
`
`Annotation. Annotation is descriptive text used to label
`coverage features, is not topologically linked with other features,
`and is used only for display purposes, not for analysis.
`
`Tic. A tie is a registration or geographic control point.
`
`Route. A route is a linear feature on which attributes are defined
`or on which events are referenced. Routes are created along arcs
`by combining sections.
`
`Section. A section represents a whole or part of an arc.
`
`Link. Links are two-point segments that represent from- and to-
`locations in coordinate adjustment
`
`I Coverage extent. The coverage extent is the bounding limit of
`the coverage.
`
`— S
`
`eptember 1992
`
`Page 21 of 53
`
`Page 21 of 53
`
`
`
`ARC/INFO: 618 Today and TomorrOw
`
`(in ] # 115.02.”?
`19
`
`Common ties can be used to
`
`register adieu-en: coverages, as
`well as "layers" ofcoverages
`for the 5m area.
`
`Topological Data
`Structure
`
`
`
`Topology is the spatial relationships between connecting or adjacent
`coverage features (e. g.. arcs, nodes, polygons. and points). For
`example, the topology of an arc includes its from- and to—nodes
`(beginning of an arc and ending of an arc) and its left and right
`polygons. Topological relationships are built from simple elements
`into complex elements: points (simplest elements), arcs (sets of
`connected points), and areas (sets of connected arcs). Redundant data
`(coordinates) are eliminated because an arc may represent both a linear
`feature (or part of a linear feature) and part of the boundary of an area
`feature.
`
`Example of arcwnode topology
`
`1
`
`l
`
`2
`
`4
`
`2
`
`- 1 Node ll 1
`
`4
`
`5
`
`g;
`
`An: it 4 digitized
`in the direction
`of the armw
`
`
`
`
`ARC
`it
`
`moon
`a
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`
`1
`4
`4
`2
`4
`
`move
`a
`
`
`
`
`2
`1
`3
`S
`5
`
`ARCHNFO software explicitly represents all map features by sets of
`arcs and label points and as topological relationships between
`connected lines and points. For example. a polygon in ARCIINFO is
`defined by the set of arcs that makes up its boundary. In this case. an
`arc is the borde