Product Description

"If we are to solve many of the problems facing us–in the cities, in the wild areas of the earth, in the atmosphere, and the oceans–we shall need the help of skilled users of GIS technology. If readers can master what is in this volume, they will be well started on this enterprise."
–From the Foreword by Jack Dangermond
President of ESRI
Praise for previous editions:
"One of only a small number of texts devoted to the technology of GIS that are truly introductory in nature. . . . Very readable and of moderate length. Those who are real novices to GIS will find this one attractive."
–Computers and Geosciences
"Well–rendered and very clear line drawings . . . well written, with a well–balanced blend of technical/theoretical concepts and more applied facts of GIS."
–Professional Geographer
Geographic Information Systems provides a practical, theory–driven overview of GIS that is supported with clear coverage of basic techniques. This treatment enables readers to understand the broad aspects of GIS without focusing on a specific software or discipline, such as engineering or geography. New features of this Third Edition include: up–to–date information on standardization efforts aimed at facilitating the exchange of ideas and data; technical content that is up to date with current hardware, software, database design, and analytical techniques; and comprehensive cost/benefit guidelines for choosing and evaluating a GIS, including coverage of organizational and technical issues.
Complete with extensive references and links to online resources, Geographic Information Systems, Third Edition, is an exceptional resource for students of GIS, planning, land use, natural resources, civil and environmental engineering, real estate, and wildlife biology.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #833716 in Books
• Published on: 2002-06-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 448 pages

Review
"...a good book has been further improved." (Geojournal, Vol 48, 1999)

GI News "...most definitely [a] worthwhile addition to any introductory GIS reading list or personal book shelf." (GI News, October 2000)

From the Publisher
The Ultimate Introduction to GIS - Now In A New Edition!
"This book is well designed, solidly constructed, and finely crafted; those who depend on it as they set out to explore our spatial world will be well served . . .If we are to solve many of the problems facing us - in the cities, in the wild areas of the earth, in the atmosphere, and the oceans, problems of the earth as a whole - we shall need the help of skilled users of GIS technology. If readers can master what is in this volume, they will be well started on this enterprise." - From the Foreword by Jack Desmond, President of ESRI

From the reviews of the previous edition:

"An excellent primer . . .The illustrations are numerous, appropriate, and clear." - Geography

"A gentle but comprehensive look at the whole field [with] ample use of diagrams and an avoidance of irritating jargon." - The Photogrammetric Record

Table of Contents 1. Geographical Information Systems and Geographical Information 2. Historical Development: Geographical Data and GIS 3. From the Real World to GIS 4. Basic Data Models 5. Advanced Data Models 6. Georeferences and Coordinate Systems 7. Hardware and Communications for GIS Applications 8. Software for GIS 9. Data Collection I 10. Data Collection II 11. Data Quality 12. Database Implementation 13. Housekeeping Tools 14. Basic Spatial Analysis 15. Advanced Analysis 16. Visualization 17. Choosing a GIS: Organizational Issues 18. Choosing a GIS: Technical Issues 19. Standards and Access to Data 20. Formal Problems in Establishing GIS 21. A Vision for the Future References Index

From the Back Cover
"If we are to solve many of the problems facing us–in the cities, in the wild areas of the earth, in the atmosphere, and the oceans–we shall need the help of skilled users of GIS technology. If readers can master what is in this volume, they will be well started on this enterprise."
–From the Foreword by Jack Dangermond
President of ESRI

Praise for previous editions:

"One of only a small number of texts devoted to the technology of GIS that are truly introductory in nature. . . . Very readable and of moderate length. Those who are real novices to GIS will find this one attractive."
–Computers and Geosciences

"Well–rendered and very clear line drawings . . . well written, with a well–balanced blend of technical/theoretical concepts and more applied facts of GIS."
–Professional Geographer

Geographic Information Systems provides a practical, theory–driven overview of GIS that is supported with clear coverage of basic techniques. This treatment enables readers to understand the broad aspects of GIS without focusing on a specific software or discipline, such as engineering or geography. New features of this Third Edition include: up–to–date information on standardization efforts aimed at facilitating the exchange of ideas and data; technical content that is up to date with current hardware, software, database design, and analytical techniques; and comprehensive cost/benefit guidelines for choosing and evaluating a GIS, including coverage of organizational and technical issues.

Complete with extensive references and links to online resources, Geographic Information Systems, Third Edition, is an exceptional resource for students of GIS, planning, land use, natural resources, civil and environmental engineering, real estate, and wildlife biology.

Customer Reviews

An ideal introduction and overview
This review refers to the 1996 Norwegian edition. Having studied GIS for 2 years, first at a Norwegian college, and then doing an MSc in GIS at a UK university, I have found this book a very valuable reference. The examples and case descriptions are depicting real-life problems, the illustrations are explanatory and to the point. The book covers GIS and related topics in a way I haven't found in any other books. I can recommend this book to anyone, student or professional. Now I am about to start a PhD at a University in the US, where I have noticed that this book in fact is the required textbook for GIS. To me this proves the overall quality of this book.