The second edition of this well-received text on principles of geographic information systems (GIS) continues the author's style of "straight talk" in its presentation. The writing is accessible and easy to follow. Unlike most other texts, this book covers GIS design and modeling, reflecting the author's belief that modeling and analysis are at the heart of GIS. This enables students to understand how to use a GIS and what it does.

As the use of geographical information systems develops apace, a significant strand of research activity is being directed to the fundamental nature of geographic information. This volume contains a collection of essays and discussions on this theme. What is geographic information? What fundamental principles are associated with it? How can

Geographic information systems (GIS)--a central repository of geographic data collected from various sources, including satellites and GPS--is emerging as one of the most intriguing and promising high-tech fields. This easy-to-understand resource provides technical and nontechnical professionals, regardless of their background, with an accessible and practical guide to important GIS know-how.

The study and application of spatial information systems have been developed primarily from the use of computers in the geosciences. These systems have the principle functions of capturing, storing, representing, manipulating, and displaying data in 2-D and 3-D worlds. This book approaches its subject from the perspectives of informatics and geography, presenting methods of conceptual modeling developed in computer science that provide valuable aids for resolving spatial problems. This book is an essential textbook for both students and practitioners. It is indispensable for academic geographers, computer scientists, and the GIS professional. Serves as the first comprehensive textbook on the field of Spatial Information Systems (also known as Geographic Information Systems) Contains extensive illustrations Presents numerous detailed examples

Market_Desc: · Geographers· Environmental Resource Managers· Surveyors Special Features: · Learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter helps to define concepts and outline the goals that the reader should be accomplishing· Review questions at the end of each chapter isolate key material for effective self study· Web page provides additional learning materials for students and data sources About The Book: This comprehensive look at GIS doesn't overwhelm with details, equations, or computer codes. Instead the author interweaves the ideas of geographic inquiry and spatial discovery, inviting readers to join in the excitement of discovery as it takes place within the computerized world of the digital GIS databases. After discussing spatial and mapping concepts, the author sequentially addresses the components of GIS systems. A final chapter spotlights the process of designing and implementing a GIS system.