The format for a process diagram (part of the deliverables for Exercise 3) is now posted on:
p:\geog460Aut03\Data\ex3pd.xls
This is an Excel file. Be sure to copy it to your own working space on the p:drive before you start to fill it in!
Process diagrams are designed to help manage the inputs and outputs (themes) as you work through the operations and manipulations of a GIS.
On the left hand side of the page, you begin by putting in the theme or themes that you will be using, including the attribute that you will be manipulating and its location (source). In the middle, you detail the operations, including equations, along with the type of attribute manipulation operation. By type, we mean for you to use the terminology from Chapter 4 of Chrisman's book, Exploring Geographic Informaton Systems on attribute manipulation, for example "grouping" the attributes. Where it asks you next in the diagram for "info level change", fill in whether the level of information content has increased or decreased. In the right hand column, you record the new theme that results from the operation, where it is stored, the purpose of the theme and the new attribute that was created as part of the processing.
Be consistent and thorough. Correct completion of one step will assist you in correctly moving on to the next step.
Version of 22 October 2003