CIS FAQs - 13 Questions we're frequently asked about the CIS
1. What level of skill do I need to be able to use the CIS ?
Users should be familiar with Windows 95 or higher. Some understanding or experience of how to work with data is also helpful, but not essential.
2. Is the CIS a GIS system?
No. it is way of working with, analysing, overlaying and mapping different kinds of data about the UK countryside.
3. What do I get with the basic package?
You will get the software analysis package, plus the free datasets. Sample, census, linear, Ordnance Survey and administrative boundary datasets are included. Northern Ireland data is also now included.
4. At what level of detail is the CIS most suitable for use?
The CIS is designed as a broad-brush tool, all the data within it is at the 1km level or greater. Data values are recorded as presence, absence, or a % value in a 1km square. It is suitable for use at country, region or county level. Work such as identifying the location of point sites (e.g. location of SSSI's) is practicable - they will be recorded as present or absent within a 1km square. We do not recommend use at lower than county level with sample data, as analysis may become unreliable.
5. How can I use my own data with the CIS-supplied data?
A routine is provided within the CIS package which will allow you to convert your own data into CIS format, to use within CIS.
6. Can I export the results of analysis from CIS?
Yes, data or maps can be copied and pasted to MSOffice applications (documents, spreadsheets etc)
7. Can I extract the original data files from CIS and use them in my GIS?
Data can be exported as ASCII files, which you may be able to import to a GIS (we cannot guarantee this for obvious reasons). It is your responsibility not to break any Copyright requirements of the Data Owners.
8. What other data is available for CIS?
The Environmental Catalogue - see the Product Download page - is a searchable catalogue of all data available in CIS format. It provides information on each dataset, regarding its history, date of provision, sampling, reliability and the ownership of the dataset.
9. How do I get hold of other data available in CIS format?
For Copyright reasons, we are only able to supply the datasets that come with the CIS package. If you wish to obtain other datasets mentioned in the Environmental Catalogue, you should contact the data owners direct. New, free datasets will be provided on the Product Download page
10. When will data from Countryside Survey 2000 be complete and available?
As soon as they are available from the CS2000 team, they will be posted on the Product Download page. Freshwaters data are expected shortly (Feb. 2001).
11. How do I get hold of CIS?
At certain times an evaluation version is available for a limited period on the Product Download page. To purchase, see the Costs page, where there is a link to the order form. You may pay by credit card, which automatically provides express service, or by sending a company purchase order for invoicing. Your Licence will be sent with the CIS package.
12. Is the Licence fee a renewable (annual) payment?
No, you only pay once !
13. Can a single-user Licence be extended to cover more users?
Yes, we will be happy to do this, users often wish to extend their cover after initial purchase. You will be asked for a fee to cover the difference. Please contact cis@ceh.ac.uk