Product Description

This authoritative book offers an up-to-date introduction to the world of Geographical Information Systems. Fully revised an updated it is designed to be easy to use for students at all levels, from undergraduates to professionals retraining in GIS. The book focuses on the practical application of GIS, and considers how the technology works.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #390052 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 312 pages

From the Back Cover
This authoritative and widely adopted book is an up-to-date introduction to the world of Geographical Information Systems. It is an approachable and readable text for students at all levels, from undergraduates to professionals retraining in GIS.
The book focuses on the practical applications of GIS, and considers how the technology works. Each chapter addresses a specific theme and is backed up with examples, case studies, revision questions, directed reading and additional resources on a companion website. The book can be used to give the reader a quick tour through the world of GIS, to help the reader develop a thorough understanding of GIS or as a source of reference information.
The second edition includes important updates and offers expanded explanations of key concepts and issues. Up-to-date issues and recent developments including new data sources, census data, georeferencing, mobile and Internet GIS, and participatory GIS are all covered in more detail. The website has also been substantially updated.
extensive use of case studies to illustrate key concepts and issues
boxes containing further information provide in-depth coverage of specific topics and case studies
revision questions at the end of each chapter test understanding of key concepts and issues
recommended reading and suggestions for further study with each chapter
glossary, index and suggestions for further study to help the reader to find all the information needed to get to grips with the subject "The text is highly readable, with concepts and processes exposed through three primary case studies. But perhaps more appealing is the bold inclusion of self-contained expositions that highlight key concepts and applications". Ken Denike, University of British Columbia
"… illustrated with clear and well-labelled illustrations - essential to an introductory text" Martin Charlton, University of Newcastle
"Topics are covered with enough depth so that the book will also be beneficial to longer-term users. The writing style, graphics and case studies are presented in a simple and easy to read format. The book could be used as a text for a course or read by anyone interested in learning the fundamentals behind GIS technology. Ann Johnson, ESRI Inc
The authors
Ian Heywood, previously Director of Open and Distance Learning for Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen and a Senior Lecturer in GIS at Manchester Metropolitan University, is currently Director of Learning for UK BusinessLab Ltd.
Sarah Cornelius is a trainer, consultant and author in the fields of GIS and eLearning and an Associate Lecturer at the Open University.
Steve Carver is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the University of Leeds. He is Director of the MA in GIS and MSc in GIS.

About the Author
Ian Heywood and Sarah Cornelius are both Senior Lecturers in the Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University. Steve Carver is Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the University of Leeds.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Introductory Level GIS book
This book introduces the basic principles of GIS from the perspective of a new user. Topics are covered with enough depth so that the book will also be beneficial to longer-term users. The writing style, graphics and case studies are presented in a simple and easy to read format. The book could be used as a text for a course or read by anyone interested in learning the fundamentals behind GIS technology. There is also a web site for the book that will allow readers access to current trends in GIS and URLs for case studies.

Essential grounding in basic & advanced applications of GIS.
A well written text that is highly accessible to both the reader who has no previous knowledge in GIS, and the reader who wishes to consolidate and extend their knowledge. Littered with extensive examples on the key concepts and applications of GIS, each chapter is clearly written and provides an intelligent synopsis on the area in question. Illustrations, graphics and the glossary supplement the text, aiding in understanding for the unknowledgable reader; whilst references and suggestions for further study at the end of each chapter provide the more informed reader with opportunities to increase the depth of their knowledge in specific areas. An essential book for anyone who wishes to learn, or further their knowledge on GIS.

Essential
I bought this to supplement my final year Geography degree. It was a core text in the GIS course and for good reason. It described processes and also, examples and case studies of how they're applied!

In short - a superb, well written entry level text.