Geographic Information System on a civil engineering Research Paper

Geographic Information System on a civil engineering - Research Paper Example Key to this research is the various information software used in the analysis and presentation of civil engineering works. Introduction The GIS (geographic information system) is a modern scientific system and software capable of acquiring or capturing, recording, integrating and present in more clearly and understandable format for all geographic data. The system will analyze information such as landscape, terrain and hydrology and eventually display the required output whether in 3-D or maps to be used in engineering purposes. Since GIS is jurisdictional, they can be specifically designed to analyze and present civil engineering data and therefore aid in civil engineering design. Such application especially witnessed in GIS is restrictive and would therefore be a civil engineers very important tool. Any application information system that has the ability to capture, integrate, analyze and display in such formats that can be understood is called GIS (Chang 2008). In civil engineerin g GIS can be taken to use such software as CAD and PROKON which analyze and present civil engineering data. PROKON can be adequately used to carry out structural analysis and present the results in more practical engineering terms. The info is then used for the practical design to ensure completion of the project. Others include Nisa Design Studio, Fastrack, Structural BIM, Vision Civil and S-Frame (Fu & Sun. 2010). Literature review Application of GIS can be traced back to the 1832 use of spatial analysis in what has recently become known as the field of epidemiology. This was done by the Geographer Charles Picquet who attempted to represent the whole city of Paris, showing all its districts, using colour variations or gradient. Further developments could include the cholera representation in London by John Snow where points were used to indicate specific cases in specific areas in regard to geographic location and proximity. The Snow representation added value to the previously ex isting ideas of topography as the element of analysis of clusters was incorporated in addition to the aspect of representation or depiction that was earlier known. This has been the basis of GIS applications where cartographic methods are used to analyze geographically dependent elements (Chang 2008). With advancement in technology and by the 20th century, there was the development of photozincography where maps could now be split into layers to represent vegetation, water and similar phenomena. Though tedious, the aspect of separate layers made it more interesting and accurate as confusion was easily avoided by the draughtsman working on the maps. Colour printing improved this further where printing was done and this enhanced quality output of the maps as well as proper storage. This was the basis of the contemporary GIS concept (Chang 2008). The Canadian GIS (CGIS) brought with it more advantages as opposed to the previous technique of computer mapping. Through CGIS, it was possib le to do overlays, measurement and scanning, a feature not previously available through computer mapping. Since the system supported the national coordinate system which covered the whole continent and also stored locational information as supporting files, the system was more effective in analyzing geographic data for it was mainly designed. The result of the Dr. Tomlinson’s contribution is the basis of the modern GIS and is thus conveniently referred to as

Business Strategy - company analysis Assignment

Business Strategy - company analysis - Assignment Example Over the period of time, Foster’s Group has expanded into its existing as well as current markets by acquiring new businesses and developing its existing business lines. Due to this, firm has been able to launch different brands of beer, wine and soft drinks in Australia and other parts of the world. It is also critical to note that the Foster’s Group’s wine business specially in US is not doing well and it has also written down the value of the division in order to recognize the losses incurred. Firm has also been charged for the violation of the occupational health and safety Act of Victoria, Australia and was fined heavily due to the death of one of the workers. This report will present an external and internal analysis of Foster’s Group besides identifying three important strategic issues faced by the firm. This report will also identify two important strategic actions which firm can undertake beside presenting the recommendations. External Analysis Tw o of the most important tools for performing external analysis include PESTLE and Porter’s Five Forces Analysis. ... Australia has one of the richest sources of natural resources and it is because of this reason that most of the foreign investment comes in the mining and minerals sector. During the current financial crisis, Australian economy remained well guarded due to the fact that majority of its trade takes place with China. (Economy Watch, 2011) Social Factors Total population of Australia is over 21 million1 with majority of population falling in the age bracket of 15-64 years. Such large population chunk therefore provides a really available market for the beer and other associated products manufactured and marketed by Foster’s. 92% of the population of the country is based upon White Population whereas 7% are Asians and 1% of the population comprises of aborigines. These statistics suggest that the social factors may be conducive for the firm to conduct its business with ease. Technological factors Industry for Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks does not particularly depends upon the techno logical changes however, technology can play its part in terms of advertising and marketing the products. Legal Factors Courts in the country are independent and put a real check over the unethical and illegal practices of the companies. Legislations such as occupational health and safety as well as anti-trust laws are in place to ensure that health and constructive competition exists within the economy. Environmental Factors Environmental factors in this industry does not directly affect the industry however, the overall impact of the industrial waste as well as the dumping of empty beer cans can pose significant threat to the environment. Porter’s Five Forces Threat of New Entrants This industry