What data types does CIS use?
CIS uses three types of data or file - Census, Sample and Region.
What is a Census file?
Any research organisation that has performed a geographical survey of some kind may have results which can be presented as a single value or attribute for every 1km grid square within a region similar to the ITE Land Classification System. Ideally the region will be the whole of Great Britain, but smaller regions may be used if necessary. If this can be done, the CIS program may be used to produce a CIS Census file containing one or more datasets. This file may then be accessed by the CIS program, allowing the results to be utilised easily and flexibly, mapping the values or using them to define Regions of Interest. e.g. Areas of deciduous woodland or mean summer temperatures.
Find out how to produce and use your own Census files
What is a Sample file?
Any research organisation that has performed a geographical survey of some kind may be able to summarise their results in terms of a mean value for each of ITE's Land Classes. One mean value for each land class is termed a Sample Dataset. If this can be done, the CIS Sample Database program may be used to produce a CIS Sample file containing one or more of theses sample datasets. This file may then be accessed by the CIS program, allowing the user to map their data on a national or Region of Interest scale by utilising the relationship with the known distribution of predominant Land Classes.
Find out how to produce and use your own Sample files
What is a Region
A Region is a subset of the total number of 1km squares. The default Region is the whole of GB (or NI if using this mode). Users can then create a new region from the default one using a variety of methods, either selecting manually using drawing tools on the map display or by using the information from sample or census files.
e.g. The new Region of Interest is those 1km squares having Inland and Marine Waters (From the Land Cover Map Census file) that occur in East Anglia