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

GIS Data Conversion As a Technology

Today, our lives are driven by the information we have and how we use it. We definitely need information and information processing tools to lead our daily lives, to run our businesses and to run our society.

With ever evolving technology, we are processing way more data than ever processed, and converting it into information. Access to desired information was never this easy.

The terms “Data Conversion” and “Data Processing” are widely and interchangeably used. However, these two are very different approaches when dealing with data. Companies can make use of distinct data conversion and document strategies. These strategies must ensure that their data is compatible with their systems.

About The GIS Data Conversion Technology:

This technology deals with changes required to move or convert data from one physical environment format to that of another. For example, moving data from one electronic medium or database product onto another form. It might be as simple as the transformation of a text file from one character encoding system to another. For instance, the conversion of office file formats. Also, the conversion of image and audio file formats.

GIS data conversion services are used extensively in mapping services where simple raster images are converted to vector models. It can be utilized in industries like telecom, oil and gas, real estate, etc. for the conversion of hard copy into a digitalized GIS format.

Use of GIS Data conversion as a technology deserves a special standing of it’s own as a separate strategic initiative as part of the whole data management process.

The Accurate or Appropriate Data Conversion should Ensure the following:

• Data is converted into an appropriate format that fits the destination database and is transferred correctly.
• Data works in the new destination database and retain it’s quality.
• Data consistency is maintained at all times through all systems using that particular data.

How Does Data Conversion and Data Migration Differ From Each Other?

What if your data is disorganized? Do you need to convert data, migrate data, or both? If you dive in without a strategy in place, you may run the risk of losing data. Therefore, it is best to get a basic understanding of how to work with data.

 

What is Data Conversion and Migration?

 

Data Conversion

It is essential that all of your data is organized into distinct data fields. Each and every data field has a specific format that can be converted into different forms if necessary.

Often you will need to convert data before it can be migrated to a new location. Conversion can be complex because you need to have a complete as well as proper understanding of the form you are converting from. Also, the form you are converting to. If you don’t, you may run the risk of compromising your data and ruining it’s integrity during the conversion process.

Converting numerical fields namely the customer numbers and zip codes, can be especially tricky. Certain programs treat numerical fields differently than other forms of data. It is possible that it may automatically drop or change numbers that start with a zero. If you don’t know this and go to convert a bunch of numerical data, you could end up with a very huge mess.

You may require special or specific tools to help with the data conversion. For GIS Data Conversion, you may contact a renowned GIS Solutions Provider Company.

Data Migration

Where GIS data conversion deals with migration of information from existing information databases to new ones that often require changes in data formats, data migration is the process of moving and merging entire databases or programs.

Data migration may appear simple at first glance, but it’s actually quite complex. It usually involves what is called data mapping. It is a strategic process that maps data from one database to another by looking at where the data lives currently, and where it will be stored, once it is moved.