Assessment of Inherent and Operational Errors in Geographic Information Systems

Abstract

This thesis was conducted as a case study for examining the amount of inherent, operational, and total error possible in products of a typical geographic information system. The error inherent in commonly used base maps or GIS data layers was assessed by comparing map data to field data at specific sample points located within the study area east of Stillwater, Oklahoma. GIS data layers used by this study were: (1) landcover; (2) slope angle; (3) slope aspect; and (4) soil type. Operational error is a result of human error and computer algorithm error created by the GIS process, while total error is a combination of both inherent and operational error and relates to the actual accuracy of any GIS product. This study calculates operational error and the theoretical minimum, maximum, and actual total error levels that result from various combinations of the four GIS data layers described above.