CHAPTER 25
Error Modeling and Management for Data in Geospatial
Information Systems
M. A. Chapman, A. Alesheikh, and H. Karimi
ABSTRACT: This chapter critically examines some current methods for modeling
spatial data errors with particular emphasis on line and areal objects. An error
management strategy for handling errors in Geospatial Information Systems (GISs) is
presented. This strategy serves to identify all the interrelated components of error
modeling and uncertainty reduction. In applying such a management strategy, it is
important to consider, not only the causes and effects of uncertainty in spatial data, but
also the procedures used to measure and model these errors. The ability to successfully
manage and reduce a particular form of error in GIS output is dependent on the nature
of the error and the availability of a proper error indicator.
Introduction
Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) technology is becoming of vital importance in
all disciplines that employ spatial data. Information derived from GIS is frequently
used in decision-making processes and as such can have far-reaching effects on the
land, its people, and the environment. Uncertainty in GIS creates a complex problem
that is directly concerned with the quality and suitability of this information.
Therefore, the future utility of GIS as a decision-making tool depends on the
development of error models for GIS data and its related operations.
This chapter proposes a strategy for error management in GIS. Furthermore,
it is argued that while error modeling and communication are very important for the
sustainability of the GIS technology (Veregin, 1989), they constitute only a part of the
strategy for error handling. The chapter is then critically reviews some existing error
355
D.R. Green and S.D. King (eds.), Coastal and Marine Geo-Information Systems, 355–369.
© 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands.
Error Modeling and Management for Data in Geospatial
Information Systems
M. A. Chapman, A. Alesheikh, and H. Karimi
ABSTRACT: This chapter critically examines some current methods for modeling
spatial data errors with particular emphasis on line and areal objects. An error
management strategy for handling errors in Geospatial Information Systems (GISs) is
presented. This strategy serves to identify all the interrelated components of error
modeling and uncertainty reduction. In applying such a management strategy, it is
important to consider, not only the causes and effects of uncertainty in spatial data, but
also the procedures used to measure and model these errors. The ability to successfully
manage and reduce a particular form of error in GIS output is dependent on the nature
of the error and the availability of a proper error indicator.
Introduction
Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) technology is becoming of vital importance in
all disciplines that employ spatial data. Information derived from GIS is frequently
used in decision-making processes and as such can have far-reaching effects on the
land, its people, and the environment. Uncertainty in GIS creates a complex problem
that is directly concerned with the quality and suitability of this information.
Therefore, the future utility of GIS as a decision-making tool depends on the
development of error models for GIS data and its related operations.
This chapter proposes a strategy for error management in GIS. Furthermore,
it is argued that while error modeling and communication are very important for the
sustainability of the GIS technology (Veregin, 1989), they constitute only a part of the
strategy for error handling. The chapter is then critically reviews some existing error
355
D.R. Green and S.D. King (eds.), Coastal and Marine Geo-Information Systems, 355–369.
© 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands.