GRASS GIS Tutorials - Tutorial 2 - Understanding GRASS GIS Data Structure

On this tutorial I try to explain how GRASS GIS data is structured. A basic knowledge of coordinate systems, map projections, and geological boundaries will be needed to be able to grasp these tutorials. GRASS GIS Tutorials Tutorial 2 Notes Understanding GRASS GIS Data Structure -- LOCATIONs and MAPSETs Visit this link for an overview of those terms: Coordinate Systems: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coordinate_system Map Projections: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map_projection Geological Boundaries: http://www.academia.edu/326840/Geological_Structures_and_Maps Or buy the book these tutorials are based on: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1441942068/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ravenandcrow-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1441942068 LOCATIONs and MAPSETs 1. GRASS GIS data is organized into projects. These projects are stored in the Project location. Each project consists of a coordinate system, map projection, and geological boundaries. 2. A location or project can have several MAPSETs. MAPSETs in GRASS GIS are a way of subdividing the project into different areas or project members. For more information on this topic read this document: http://grass.osgeo.org/grass64/manuals/helptext.html Modules/Commands When we work with GRASS GIS we use modules to make things happen. This modules or commands are organized by name based on the function that they perform. Display, imagery, raster, vector, or database. To use these commands/modules we will type the first letter of the module followed by a dot (.) followed by the specific task to be performed by the module. • v.in.org - is a vector command that will import vector data into various formats. • r.buffer -- will calculate a buffer zone along a raster line/areas. • d.ras -- will display a raster map. • i.ortho.photo -- will create a orthophoto from a scanned/digital aerial image. This link gives you a list of all modules/commands in GRASS GIS: http://grass.osgeo.org/grass64/manuals/index.html If you want to follow along with this tutorial, these are the materials I'll be referring to: Open Source GIS: A GRASS GIS Approach: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1441942068/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ravenandcrow-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1441942068 Main download site for GRASS GIS: http://grass.osgeo.org/grass64/binary/mswindows/native/ You can find me here: Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/115473297214719936733/communities/111147786674687562495 Twitter: https://twitter.com/grassgis e-mail me at [email protected] http://www.GRASSGISTutorials.com