"I like the idea that there are some principles, maybe even science, behind this stuff. 'GIS as button-pushing' is not a smart view of how to change the world." So says an iconoclast in the field, who believes that business leaders rather than scientists will lead the way with innovative geographical information systems applications. Thus a section treats the management side of GIS in a knowledge economy. Chapters introduce principles, techniques, and strategies of representing geography with a gallery of applications, questions for further study, and online references. Color illustrations show such data modeling representations as precision agriculture systems, GIS-enabled electronic yellow pages, and a UK national grid for geo-conferencing. Longley is with U. College in London. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Geographic Information Systems and Science is a landmark in the evolution of GIS. It is a book that captures and redefines the richness and diversity of GIS, in an accessible form. It presents a clearly-defined path to a world of learning about GIS, using the Internet and closely-couples reference sources. It is richly produced and illustrated unlike any other in the field, with over 300 full color illustrations.
Geographic Information Systems and Science is unique in several ways. It presents comprehensive treatments of:
- Geographic Information Science - the scientific context to GIS, technical content and geographic implications
- The real value of GIS - illustrated using real world applications. Treatments emphasize operational, tactical and strategic issues
- The impact of Internet GIS on interdisciplinary science and society
- The pivotal role of GIS as a business driver in the information age - including the role of GIS as a business asset and the operational dynamics of its use in practice
The book is the first to provide a gateway to Internet-based classroom and distance learning. A series of modules of the ESRI Virtual Campus have been specially written around the material in this book, and detailed learning guides identify other on-line sources. Additional free supplementary reference material is available through a Web site dedicated to the book.
Contents
The book begins by developing the themes of GI Systems and GI Science, and illustrates the practical value of GIS through real case studies. The major parts then consider:
- GIS Principles
- GIS Techniques
- GIS Practice
A concluding section anticipates the future of GIS and prospects for the people who use it.
This book is suitable for 2nd/3rd year undergraduates taking courses in GIS within departments of Geography, Environmental Science, Forestry, Business Studies and Economics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Planning, and Archaeology. It is also suitable as a foundation course taught in M.Sc. and other higher degree programs. Its user-friendly format is designed to appeal to professionals working for federal, state and local organizations.
