Geographic Information System using ArcGIS 10

and Open Source MapWindow

Methodology and Comparative Study

Omar Al-Bayari, Balqies Sadoun, Jalal Al-Azizi and Samih Al Rawashdeh

Department of Surveying and Geomatics Engineering, AL-Balqa’ Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan

Keywords: GIS, ArcGIS 10, Open Source MapWindow, GIS Client, Spatial Database System.

Abstract: Geographic Information System (GIS) is an IT system capable of capturing, storing, analyzing, and display-

ing geographically data. We present a comparison between ArcGIS 10 and MapWindow 4.0 in creating a

(GIS) for a study area to clarify the similarities and the differences. Upon the application of the GIS system

using the two mentioned different software tools, we will provide the methodology and a related compari-

son. The ESRI® ArcGIS is an integrated geographic information system (GIS) for managing a digital data-

base, working with maps and geographic information. It provides an infrastructure for making maps, analy-

sis, presentations of geographic information available for organizations, communities and openly on the

Web. MapWindow is free of charge, extensible geographic information System (GIS) that can be used as an

open-source alternative to desktop GIS to develop and distribute custom spatial data analysis tools. It is a

"Programmable Geographic Information System" that supports manipulation, analysis, and viewing of geo-

spatial data and associated attribute data in several standard GIS data formats. It is also considered a map-

ping tool, a GIS modeling system, and a GIS application programming interface (API); all in one conven-

ient redistributable package. It was developed by MapWindow Open Source Team to address the need for a

GIS programming tool that could be used in engineering research, without requiring end users to purchase a

complete GIS system, or become GIS experts.

We had used MapWindow in many applications and always proved efficient. We found Open Source

MapWindow GIS as efficient as the commercial GIS system for important applications (Mapping, Naviga-

tion, Tracking etc.) in addition to its being free of charge. We had been using it in our applications and re-

search work such as: OSGIS for BAU and in Navigation and Tracking to be used by interested users on the

web.

1 INTRODUCTION

Easy access to spatial data for a wide range of users

in governmental organizations and large companies

led to great development in the implementation of

Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI) (Rajabifard and

Williamson, 2001), (Crompvoets et al., 2004).

Hundreds of new spatial portals and systems for

spatial data dissemination have been built worldwide

lately (GeoConnections, 2009). Building an SDI

requires a range of software tools that depend on

geospatial data provider, service provider, or data

user. To support these ongoing implementation

efforts, free and open source projects have started.

Reviews of Free and Open Source Software for GIS

(FOSS4GIS) and its utility have become more

common, as the free software solutions start to

replace proprietary software (Reid and Martin,

2001). Categories of GIS software have been

identified by Steiniger (Steiniger and Weibel, 2009),

(Steiniger and Hay, 1998), which include desktop

GIS, Spatial Database Management Systems (Spatial

DBMS), web map, server GIS, web GIS clients,

mobile GIS, and GIS libraries and extensions.

In the following we are comparing some of these

packages.

2 MapWindow

This is a mapping tool, a GIS modeling system, and

a GIS application programming interface (API)

which was developed by Dr. Daniel P. Ames and a

group of student programmers at Utah State

Sadoun B., Al-Bayari O., Al-Azizi J. and Al Rawashdeh S..

Geographic Information System using ArcGIS 10 and Open Source MapWindow - Methodology and Comparative Study.

DOI: 10.5220/0004167800930100

In Proceedings of the International Conference on Data Communication Networking, e-Business and Optical Communication Systems (ICE-B-2012),

pages 93-100

ISBN: 978-989-8565-23-5

 2012 SCITEPRESS (Science and Technology Publications, Lda.)

University (Appleman, 1998). It was developed to

address the need for a GIS programming tool that

could be used in engineering research and project

software, without requiring to purchase a complete

GIS system, or become a GIS expert. It is available

free of charge and can be sued to develop custom

spatial data analysis tools (http://www.map

window.org/). Developers can write Plug-ins to add

additional functionality such as models, special

viewers, hot-link, handlers, and data editors, and

pass these to users. It includes standard GIS data

visualization features, database functions such as

attribute table editing, shape file editing and data

converters. Dozens of Standard GIS formats are

supported, including Shape files, GeoTIFF, ESRI

format, ASCII and binary grids. It includes a

complete ActiveX component to instantly add GIS

capabilities to the user’s existing software product

(MapWinGIS; FOSS4G). Additional geo-processing

components are available for .NET-compatible

Languages. Components of MapWindow are:

-The Main Application: This is the central interface

where, the user may view data elements such as

Shape files and Grids and the Core Components

-The components which operate underneath. The

three main components are: (a) MapWinGISwhcih

is an ActiveX control which may be placed into

any project in any programming language that

supports ActiveX. This is the main map

component - if the user wants to write a program

that displayed shape data, for example, the user

could use this control for the display portion of the

user’s program. (b) MapWin Interfaces: This is

also called the "Plug-in Interface", this is a dll file

which will allow the user to write the user’s own

plug-ins to the main application. This may be done

from any programming Language which supports

the creation and use of Microsoft .NET 2.0

Dynamic Link Libraries (dlls). (c)

MapWinGeoProc: This is a .NET library of

geoprocessing functions, including tools for

managing projections, clipping and buffering. This

Library is under very active development with new

capabilities appearing Often.

3 ArcGIS 10

The ESRI® ArcGIS System is an integrated

geographic Information system (GIS) consisting of:

(a) Arc GIS Desktop software which is an integrated

suite of Advanced GIS applications

(b) Arc SDE® gateway which is an interface for

managing Geodatabases in a database management

system (DBMS)

GIS for distributing Data and services.

Arc GIS provides a framework for implementing

GIS for single user or for many users. It can be

extended with additional software, such as Arc Pad®

for Windows® CE devices.

Components of ArcGIS desktop are:

1.ArcMap: This is the GIS application used for all

map-based tasks including cartography, map

analysis, and editing. In this tool, the user basically

works with maps. Arc Map permits viewing a map, a

geographic data and a layout view to implement

advanced GIS tasks.

2. Arc catalog: This is an application to organize

and manage all GIS data, with browsing tools to find

geographic information, managing metadata and to

define the schema structure for the geographic data

layers.

3. Arc toolbox: Arc Toolbox is a simple application

containing many GIS tools used for geoprocessing

tasks (GIS Fundamentals).

ArcGIS Desktop License Levels:

ArcGIS allows better data analysis, relationship

definition, pattern recognition and optimal informed

decision making. It is available in three license

levels: basic, standard, or advanced (formerly

ArcView, ArcEditor, or ArcInfo). They share the

core applications, user interface, and development

environment, but each provides more GIS

functionality

ArcInfo is the highest level of licensing and

functionality. It is a full featured GIS system with

access to all functions. It includes advanced data

analysis and modeling, feature management and

processing and data conversion for CAD, raster,

DBASE, and coverage formats

(http://en.wikipedia.org/).

ArcEditor is a standard ArcGIS level of licensing

and functionality. It provides the standard and basic

ArcGIS functions such as complete GIS data editing

capabilities, automate quality control, and use of

raster-to-vector conversion.

ArcView is the basic ArcGIS level of licensing and

functionality. It is a powerful toolkit for mapping,

reporting, and map-based analysis such as visual

modeling, and spatial analysis of a process or

workflow, creation of interactive maps from files,

database, and online sources, and generation of

reports and charts.

ArcReader is a free application to view and use

maps created with ArcMap and the optional ArcGIS

ICE-B 2012 - International Conference on e-Business

Publisher extension. ArcReader works on maps in

PMF format. Because Arc Reader is free, any user

can install it easily.

4 STUDY AREA AND

METHODOLOGY

For application and comparison purposes we used

the Zahran Street area in Amman; see Figure 1.

Figure 1: Amman Image and Zahran Street.

Figure 2 presents the flowchart of the methodology

to create a GIS for the study area using ArcGIS 10.

Figure 2: Flowchart of GIS Processing using ArcGIS 10.

- Data Collection: We collected data from Satellite

images with coverage for Zahran Street area in

Amman, Jordan (Google Earth); see Figure 3.

Google Earth Program is a virtual global map and

geographic information program which maps the

Earth's surface by the superimposition of images of

varying resolution obtained from satellite imagery,

aerial photography and GIS 3D globe

(http://en.wikipedia.org/). The internal coordinate

system of Google Earth is geographic coordinates

(latitude/longitude) on the World Geodetic System

of 1984 (WGS84) datum. It uses digital elevation

model (DEM). The Google Earth Program is used

for creating clip in JPG file to get the needed

Figure 3: Image Clip for Zahran Area (Google Earth).

information such as buildings, streets, and hotels;

see Figure 3.

- Projection: This is the process of translating real

3D world data to flat 2D view using a systematic

mathematical transformation. We used Jordan

Transverse Mercator (JTM) coordinate system (the

modified Universal Transverse Mercator -UTM).

- Georeferencing: This deals with is assigning map

coordinates and spatial location. It is also associating

geographic data to a known coordinate system so

that it can be viewed, queried, and analyzed with

other geographic data. After applying the suitable

projection upon the images, we applied the

georeferencing process.

- Database Design: Upon adding a dataset to

ArcMap, a layer is created. Each layer represents

geographic data which relates the spatial data to the

attribute data in order to achieve a brief view of the

area. Many layers were created such as roads,

buildings, land parcels, schools, mosques,

embassies, banks, museums, churches, restaurants,

among others. Creating layers in Arc Catalog needs

the selection of multiple proprieties such as layer

name, type, the used projection, number of column,

and data type.

- Digitizing: This is the process of converting

features into a digital format to create new data; see

Figures 4 and 5.

- Other applications using ArcMap Include:

x The Hyperlink tool where you can access

documents or Web pages related to features.

x Converting AutoCAD File to Geodatabase:

We generated our contour map using AutoDisk

Land Develop 2004 then we transferred it to

shape file in ArcGIS 10 using ArcCatalog

(Figure 6). Next, we createed a TIN in ArcMap.

Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN): This is a

digital data structure used in GIS for the

representation of a surface. It comprises a triangular

network

of vertices, which represent the physical

re 1: Amman Image and Zahran Street.

Geographic Information System using ArcGIS 10 and Open Source MapWindow - Methodology and Comparative Study

Figure 4: Database Design Process.

Figure 5: Digitizing of Zahran Street.

Figure 6: The Contour Map.

land surface or sea bottom (mass points), with

associated coordinates in three dimensions

connected by edges to form a triangular tessellation;

see Figures 7 and 8.

TINs are often derived from the elevation data of a

raster digital elevation model (DEM). An advantage

of using a TIN over a raster DEM in mapping and

analysis is that the points of a TIN are distributed

variably based on an algorithm that determines

which points are most needed to have an accurate

representation of the terrain (Figure 8). Data input is

therefore flexible and fewer points need to be stored

Figure 7: Nodes, Edges, and Faces of a TIN.

Figure 8: A TIN Layer.

Figure 9: A 3D Model View.

than in a raster DEM, with regularly distributed

points.

Creating 3D Scene: ArcScene is a 3D visualization

application that allows viewing the GIS data in 3D

form (Figure 9). The purpose is to provide 3D fly-

through, to overlay many layers of data in a 3D

environment, and every layer of these in the 3D

view can be handled differently.

MapWindow OSGIS: Data Processing contains the

package of layers designing, digitizing, georefer-

encing and projection as in the flowchart shown in

Figure 10. For the same application area, we created

another GIS system using MapWindow software.

ICE-B 2012 - International Conference on e-Business

Figure 10: Flowchart of GIS using MapWindow 4.0.

- Data Collection: Satellite Images with coverage

for the same area, the Zahran Street area, were taken

from Google Earth Program (JPG file). Using

Mapwindow, we got the same clip for the study area.

- Georeferencing: The correct location and shape of

features need a framework for defining real-world

locations, using established coordinate system, such

as Cartesian coordinate system (before or after

digitizing; see Figure 11).

Figure 11: Mapwindow Georeferenceing.

- Projection: We used the JTM projection in meters

to apply the same projection on the images that was

taken from Google Earth pro. After applying the

suitable projection upon the images, we applied the

georeference on them, both X and Y coordinates are

georeferenced with projected coordinate system. By

inputting the coordinates, three points are needed

(Figure 11). After georeferencing and assigning

projection to the image we could add rectifying

image to Map Window.

- Layer Designing: Map Window creates shape files

by adding shape file editor. Locate the “where do

you want to save the shape file?” and locate the

shape file type. Automatically shape file will be

added on project. Before starting edit shape file, we

need to assign projection to shape file by GIS tools

(Figure 12). The final screen after editing all shape

files can be seen in Figure 13.

Figure 12: Final Screen after Editing Shape Files.

Figure 13: Final map.

Comparison between ArcGIS 10 and

MapWindow 4.0:

a) Georeferencing:

- ArcGIS 10 requires four points or more while

MapWindow needs only three points.

b) Clip extraction:

- ArcGIS 10 extracts the cells of a raster that

correspond to the areas defined by a mask; see

Figure 14.

Figure 14: Extraction Steps in ArcGIS 10.

- MapWindow cannot perform extraction. In our

project, we build shape file (boundary) to define the

limits of the work area (Figure 15).

c) Geodatabase:

- In ArcMap 10, we built geodatabase from Arc

Catalog (Figure 16). It provides a catalog window to

organize and manage various types of geographic

information for ArcGIS Desktop. The kinds of

information

that can be organized and managed in

Geographic Information System using ArcGIS 10 and Open Source MapWindow - Methodology and Comparative Study

Figure 15: Limits of the Work Area.

ArcCatalog include Geodatabases, raster files, map

documents, globe documents, 3D scene documents,

and layer files, Geoprocessing toolboxes, models,

and Python scripts, GIS services published using

ArcGIS servers, standards-based metadata for these

GIS information items and much more. ArcCatalog

organizes these contents into a tree view that allow

the user to organize the GIS datasets and ArcGIS

documents in order to search and find information

items, and manage them. Arc Catalog is used to

Organize the GIS contents, manage geodatabase

schemas, search for and add content to ArcGIS

applications, document contents, manage GIS

servers, and manage standards-based metadata. All

layers in the geodatabase have the same coordinates

and projection.

Figure 16: Geodata base building in ArcCatalog.

In MapWindow, we cannot build a geodatabase, but

we can build shape file and for every shape file we

must determine the projection.

d) Digitizing:

In ArcMap 10: In order to start digitizing, the user

needs to open the Editor Toolbar and start an editing

session. There are several options for making the

edit more efficient.

In MapWindow: In order to start editing the shape

files, the user needs to select the shape file editor

from the plug-in, then select the shape file that the

user needs to edit from legend and then the user

should press from the toolbar and start editing. To

finish the editing process, the user just needs to right

click.

e) Symbols:

In ArcMap 10, the user can use the default symbol

or change some basic properties such as color and

size or modify any of the properties and create own

symbols.

In MapWindow, we can change color and size only.

f) Snap:

In ArcMap 10, Snapping allows the user to create

features that connect to each other so the edits are

more accurate.

In MapWindow: From shapefile Editor, the user

needs to snap to all layers.

g) Topology:

In ArcMap 10: In general, topology is a set of rules

which define the relationship between points, lines,

and polygons. This can enable us to add a topology,

point to new, and then click topology generation

within right-click of the feature dataset to which you

want topology ; see Figure 17.

In MapWindow, the user cannot perform topology

operations.

Figure 17: Topology in ArcMap10.

h) Inputting the Attributes:

In ArcMap 10, by right clicking on layer, the user

can select open attribute Table (you must open the

editor by select start editing).

In MapWindow, the user needs to open attribute

table but do not need to open the editor.

i) Layouts:

In ArcMap 10, from the layout view, the user can

work with the map layout elements, such as titles,

north arrows, and scale bars, along with the data

frame, all of which are arranged on a page (Figure

19).

In MapWindow, the user cannot perform layout

without the select print option; see Figure 19.

ICE-B 2012 - International Conference on e-Business

Figure 19: Layout in ArcMap 10 and MapWindow.

j) TIN:

In ArcMap 10, the user can generate TIN from 3D

Analyst toolbar; see Figures 6 and 7. While in

MapWindow, the user cannot generate TIN layers.

k) 3D Analyses:

In ArcMap 10, the user can generate 3D model using

Arc Scene (Figure 8), while in MapWindow, he

cannot generate a 3D model.

l) Hyperlinks:

In ArcMap 10, the user can do hyperlinks, while in

Mapindow, hyperlinks do not exist.

5 SUMMARY AND

CONCLUSIONS

To sum up, we can make the following comments

and points:

- OSGIS was developed to address the need for a

GIS programming tool, without the need to

purchase a complete GIS system, or become a GIS

expert.

- OSGIS is an alternative to desktop GIS that can

be used as information system to distribute data to

others and to develop custom spatial data analysis

tools.

- OSGIS proved to be perfectly functional for

many important applications such as mapping,

navigation, tracking, among others.

- Users could use MTS as a platform and build a

specialized application that can do the needed

functions in order to distribute or sell directly to

end users.

- OSGIS is a mapping tool, a GIS modeling

system, and a GIS application programming

interface (API) all in one convenient redistributable

package.

- Developers can write Plug-ins to add additional

functionality such as models, special viewers, hot-

link, Handlers, and data editors and pass these

along to users.

- Dozens of Standard GIS formats are supported,

including Shape files, GeoTIFF, ESRI format,

ASCII and binary grids. Moreover, it includes a

complete ActiveX component, which may be used

to instantly add GIS capabilities to the user’s

existing software product. Additional geo-

processing components are available for .NET-

compatible Languages.

In conclusion, we are presenting an overall

comparison between Arc GIS 10 and Map Window

software tools; see Table 1.

Table 1: Comparison Between ArcGIS 10 and Map Win-

dow software tools.

Item

ArcGIS

MapWindow

Cost

Expensive

Free (open-

source)

Georeference

(4) points at

least

Needs only 3

points

Extraction

Extraction by

arctoolbox

you cannot do

Extraction

Database

geodatabase

shape file

Digitizing

start

editing

We can do

digitizing

Symbols

Change color ,

size and shape

Change color

and size only

End Digitizing

stop editing

right click

Snapping

Automatic

Topology

you can do

topology

you cannot do

topology

Input the

attribute

can input the

attribute

can input the

attribute

layout

from layout

view

from

TIN

you can do

TIN

you cannot do

TIN

you

can

do 3D

you cannot do

Hyperlinks

you can do

hyperlink

you cannot do

hyperlink

REFERENCES

A. Rajabifard and I. P. Williamson, “Spatial Data infra-

structures: Concepts, SDI Hierarchy and Future Direc-

tions”, Proceedings of Geomatics 2001, Australia,

2001.

J. Crompvoets, A. Bregt, A. Rajabifard and I. P. William-

son, “Assessing the Worldwide Developments of Na-

tional Spatial Data Clearinghouses”, International

Geographic Information System using ArcGIS 10 and Open Source MapWindow - Methodology and Comparative Study

Journal of Geograph Inf Sci, Vol. 18, pp. 665-689,

2004.

GeoConnections, “Status Report to the United Nations:

Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure, Ottawa: Nat-

ural Resources, Canada, 2009.

J. Reid, F. Martin, “The Open Source Movement and Its

Potential in Implementing Spatial Data Infrastruc-

tures”, Proceedings of the International Symposium on

Spatial Data Infrastructure, Melbourne, Australia,

2001. Available from: http://www.geo.unizh.ch/ pub-

lications/sstein/pubothers/reid_ martin_ foss_ for_

sdi_ 2001.pdf

S. Steiniger, R. Weibel,” GIS Software– A Description in

1000 Words, 2009. Available from: http:// www.geo.

unizh.ch/publications/sstein/gissoftware_steiniger2008

.pdf

S. Steiniger, G. J. Hay, Free and Open Source Geographic

Information Tools for Landscape Ecology, Ecol Inf

Journal, Vol. 4, pp. 183-195, 2009.

D. Appleman,”Developing COM/ ActiveX Component

with Visual Basic 6, First Edition, SAMS, United

States, 1998.

http://www.mapwindow.org/.

MapWinGIS Reference Manual: A Function Gnent, Lu-

lu.com, Morrisville, North Carolina.

An Extensible, Interface-Based, Open Source GIS Para-

digm: MapWindow 6.0 Developer Tools for the Mi-

crosoft Windows Platform. Free and Open Source

Software for Geoinformatics (FOSS4G), Cape Town,

South Africa.

GIS Fundamentals; a First Text on Geographic Infor-

mation Systems, 3rd Edition. Eider Press, New York.

http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/about/gis-for-

me.html.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArcInfo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Earth

ICE-B 2012 - International Conference on e-Business

100