The role open-source geospatial software plays in data handling within the spatial information technology industry is the overarching theme of the book. It also examines new tools and applications for those already using OS approaches to software development.

Put the world of GIS data resources at your command-- GIS users routinely encounter key questions about the data needed for their projects: Where did the data come from? Is this the best data available? How can the data be loaded to make it work? What about creating original data? With a broad range of GIS data options to choose from, knowing how to find, select, and use the most appropriate resources for different purposes is absolutely essential in order to keep costs down and make the most of the technology. Filled with crucial information for today's GIS users, this book offers a comprehensive, straightforward reporting on GIS data sources--what they are, hot to find them, and how to determine the right source for a given project. Beginning with a thorough review of the basic GIS data types and groups, GIS Data Sources shows hot to define specific data needs for a project and accurately envision how the data will look and act once it is applied. The next step is to locate and obtain the data. Here the book presents a wealth of data sources, with added guidance on creating original data and important information on suitable applications for different types of data. Nuts-and-bolts material on data formats, media, compression, and downloading helps users acquire and use GIS data easily and avoid the technical snags that can slow a project down. In addition, the book's extensive resource listings provide details on where to find GIS information on the Internet, and a complementary Web site (www.gisdatasources.com) provides further data links and updates to help jump-start your projects. With invaluable time-and cost-saving advice and answers to a host of common GIS data questions, GIS Data Sources is a powerful new tool for users of the technology in any field. Drew Decker is Texas State Cartographer with the Texas Natural Resources Information System in Austin, Texas. He serves as Co-chair of the Texas Geographic Information Council's Technical Advisory Committee and is the Project Manager of the Texas Strategic Mapping Program.

Geographical Information Systems has moved from the domain of the computer specialist into the wider archaeological community, providing it with an exciting new research method. This clearly written but rigorous book provides a comprehensive guide to that use. Topics covered include: the theoretical context and the basics of GIS; data acquisition including database design; interpolation of elevation models; exploratory data analysis including spatial queries; statistical spatial analysis; map algebra; spatial operations including the calculation of slope and aspect, filtering and erosion modeling; methods for analysing regions; visibility analysis; network analysis including hydrological modeling; the production of high quality output for paper and electronic publication; and the use and production of metadata. Offering an extensive range of archaeological examples, it is an invaluable source of practical information for all archaeologists, whether engaged in cultural resource management or academic research. This is essential reading for both the novice and the advanced user.

Reading this book is your first step to becoming a competent human geography researcher. Whether you are a novice needing practical help for your first piece of research or a professional in search of an accessible guide to best practice, Conducting Research in Human Geography is a unique and indispensable book to have at hand. The book provides a broad overview of theoretical underpinnings in contemporary human geography and links these with the main research methodologies currently being used. It is designed to guide the user through the complete research process, whether it be a one day field study or a large project, from the nurturing of ideas and development of a proposal, to the design of an enquiry, the generation and analysis of data, to the drawing of conclusions and the presentation of findings.