GIS Data Conversion and Benefits You Get from Them

If you are not aware of what this service is all about, you need to know it right in the beginning. Only then, it would be possible for you to understand its basic necessity, benefits and several other things. Here in this post, we will have a deeper look at it and how people can get benefitted from it.

What is GIS data conversion?

•      According to those offering GIS data conversion services, this is basically the process of encoding geographical format into a file and this process is mainly used in mapping related tasks.
•      In GIS data conversion services, simple raster images are converted into vector models and the popularity can be assumed by the fact that this service is required very much by industries like telecom, oil and gas, real estate, etc.

There are numerous companies in every region that can offer this service along with several other services that have been listed here:

•         Map data creation and digitization services
•         Utility mapping, contour mapping, topographic mapping
•         Geo rectification and geo-coding services
•         Raster editing
•         GIS data analysis
•         GIS based custom application development
•         Remote sensing like image processing and classification

What are the benefits of GIS data conversion services?

•         Land base conversion and maintenance
•         Survey, aerial photogrammetric
•         Cadastral mapping via coordinate geometry and digitizing
•         Database attribution in Oracle, SQL, Informix
•         Facilities conversion and maintenance
•         Convert GIS data with quality control
•         Reconciliation of source maps and interpretation

What features to look for in the service provider while choosing for GIS data conversion services?

•      They should be able to reproduce top-quality drawings even from low quality hardcopies.
•      They should have the capability to ensure that various entities like doors, windows, electrical and plumbing fixtures and so forth can be recognized in a trouble-free manner.
•       They should have the expertise to design with multiple layers according to the needs of clients.
•        They should be the specialist of generating individual layers pointing to dimension, text, body, centrelines and hidden lines.
•       They should be ready to work in different file formats like .BMP/.JPEG/.PDF, convert and store them in formats such as .DWG/.DXF.

Differentiating Between GIS Electronic Data Conversion and Data Migration

In terms of GIS services, people often get confused by two terms, i.e. GIS electronic data conversion and data migration. Those who know the difference between them are quite relaxed while choosing, but those who have no idea are generally very puzzled during the selection process and with the help of this post, we will be clearing the confusion once and for all.

GIS Electronic Data Conversion vs. Migration: The difference is clear...

Data Migration

The term data migration is used when defining the transferring of data from one system to another. Here is a list of situations in which this term can be used.

• Update PODS model from 3.2 to 6.0
• Switch from UPDM to PODS data model
• Newly acquired pipeline data

GIS Electronic Data Conversion

The term data conversion is used while defining the transformation or translation of data from one format to another.

This data is extracted from a source and then transformed before being loaded in other system or systems.

When this Service comes into the act?

• Legacy data stored in paper files, spreadsheets or CAD files
• Gather information from survey notebooks, as-built alignment sheets, or plant maps
• Convert job books such as hydrotests or FLC reports
• Newly acquired pipeline data

According to those offering GIS data conversion services, the major role in both these processes is of the data technician who will do the following tasks. – 

• Capture, convert and load pipeline data
• Compare converted data with source documents

Then, the GIS Technician also has some work to do in terms of GIS data conversion services and their role would be to analyze spatial and technical data, create databases and then, create and manage feature classes and spatial data.

Conversion Process – 

• Identifying Data Source(S)
• Reviewing Where The Data Is Coming From
• Reviewing What Information Might Be Missing Or Inconsistent
• Identify Data Destination(S)
• Defining The Data Requirements 
• Ensuring  The Needed Data Can Be Properly Translated And Converted 
• Data Load And Review

Migration Process – 

• Database Review
• Review Of The Current Implementation Is Conducted
• Data Mapping
• The Final Migration Process