GIS software and its functionalities

TuQuiosquero Information Systems GIS , Spain gis , gis software , GIS tools , free GIS tools , opptimiza , optitime , GIS software , free gis software , free GIS software , QGIS , Quantum GIS , which is chalk , which is significant , GIS , Spain ff , ff programs , GIS , geographic information systems , TourSolver , TourSolver GIS , TourSolver opti-time

In this article we will explain a little world of software tools or GIS (Geographic Information System), what they are, where do and we will explain 2 products: Qgis and TourSolver (opti-time).

This article derives from research conducted over a month on GIS tools for route optimization. Many companies have distribution or distribution department. If we assume that we have 10 dealers and each handles an average of 50 clients, we detected the need to optimize the routes of these dealers to be more productive and efficient. Through these needs begin to analyze the field of GIS. But first let's explain a little this new world.

What is GIS?

The term GIS, the acronym for Geographic Information System, defines one set of systems that are able to manage geographic information.

A little history ...

Although the first true GIS, current use as a concept was born in Canada in 1962, previously found many examples throughout the history of thoughts or actions intended to manage geographic information efficiently. Beginning 15,000 years ago, when Cro-Magnon man painted on the walls of the animals they hunted, associating these drawings with linear traces are believed to add up to the migration routes of these species. Already in 1854 the pioneer of epidemiology, Dr. John Snow mapped the incidence of cholera cases on a map of the Soho district in London, this rudimentary example of GIS allowed the doctor to pinpoint a water well contaminated source causing the outbreak.

As you were saying the first true GIS was born in Canada in 1962. Developed by Roger Tomlinson, known as Geographic Information System of Canada (CGIS) was used to store, analyze and manipulate data collected for the Canada land inventory.

The level of trade of these products did not appear to GIS 80's, where were found many commercial applications. But the major development occurred in the 90 where the appearance of personal computers caused them to begin to broadcast a commercial for professionals.

During the twenty-first century "boom" was final, taking advantage of new technologies and computer mapping has been made very complete product development and reduced costs are affordable for most companies.

How does a GIS?

A GIS powered by a database with geographic information that is associated by a common identifier to graphic objects on a digital map. Thus, pointing to an object are called its attributes and inversely asking for a record of the database you can tell its location in the cartography.

The main solutions that can make GIS systems are:

1) Location: know specific locations

2) Condition: comply or not conditions in the system

3) Trend: comparison of situations

4) Routes: calculation of optimal routes

5) Guidelines: detection of spatial patterns

6) Models: generation of models from simulated events

In this article we will focus in Section 4, the calculation of optimal routes. In our case we intend to equip the distribution department of a tool that provides optimal routes to the dealers and get:

- Increased number of customer visits

- Optimizing the travel time between clients

- Optimization of loads to deliver products to customers

We went to the market to see different products that would cover our needs, we saw a few, and as an example we would like to explain a couple.

The first one is called Quantum GIS, GIS is a tool open source, no cost to the company. Currently available version 1.4.0 called Enceladus. You can see more here: http://www.qgis.org/index.php

I explain in steps how to install:

1. Open http://download.osgeo.org/osgeo4w/osgeo4w-setup.exe and save.

2. Open the file "osgeo4w-setup.exe".

3. Choose "Express Install." Click "Next>".

4. Choose three components: "Quantum GIS" "GDAL" and "GRASS GIS". Click "Next>"

5. The program is installed. Depending on your connection speed, this could take several minutes to an hour.

6. The program has been installed correctly. To run it click on the icon opens a window of MS-DOS where you have to write "qgis". Giving enter the program will load.

I also pass the official manual: http://download.osgeo.org/qgis/doc/manual/qgis-1.4.0_user_guide_en.pdf

In another blog I've found is explained very well the benefits of the new version, I pass the link: http://www.urbanismo.com/arquitecturayurbanismo/quantum-gis-primera-impresion/

What I can say about this program? Although it is open source and I can certainly integrate with my needs, I think it fits what we want.

For this reason I will introduce another product that we particularly liked a lot.

It's called the company TourSolver Opti-time. You can get more information here: http://www.opti-time.com/es/organizacion_rutas/index.asp

This tool is a Microsoft product verticalization, Mappoint. They have developed a graphical interface very nice and easy to use, where from a database (with many options for loading data) parameters are defined as times, vehicles, locations, customers, and the tool calculates the optimal route based on these parameters defined by the user.

After several demos and hours of research, I bet by this tool. Fits the needs of the distribution department, allowing integration with SDK tool TourSolver with ERP and mobility tools that the dealers use. The intention with this tool is to optimize delivery routes and we believe will be achieved.

I hope this brief introduction to the world of GIS tools is not been very heavy.

We recall that tuquiosco.es tech news editors looking to increase the number and quality of the articles. If you are interested in helping write to info@tuquiosco.es .

Related articles

• Articles Index

If you liked this article please share!