GIS Concepts and ArcGIS Methods [Paperback]

David M. Theobald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2003

GIS Concepts and ArcGIS Methods combines the how and why in one complete referenc3e. This book bridges the information gap between user manuals and textbooks by fusing ArcGIS methods and techniques with a compilation of basic geographical concepts to benefit both beginners and experts. It is an ideal textbook for introductory GIS courses as it demonstrates how to display, query, edit, and analyze both feature and raster-based geographic data using ArcGIS, all within the broader context of fundamental GIS concepts. Technically in-depth and easy to read, the book is organized by concepts from basic to advanced, making the ideas and techniques easier to comprehend. Numerous examples, step-by-step instructions, and references to the primary GIS and computer science literature can help you learn even more. Tips on how to transition from ArcView v3 to the current ArcGIS v8 software are provided. GIS Concepts and ArcGIS Methods is a complete cohesive reference designed to increase productivity for students as well as for professionals. The book was revised in September 2003 to include upgrades to v8.3.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an excellent combination of theory and practical advice, which helps to move our students beyond 'blind button-pushing' in GIS." -- Dawn Wright, Ph.D., Professor of Geography and Oceanography, Oregon State University

"...more than a "how to" guide; it's the perfect companion, and safety net, for your GIS work". -- Peter August, Ph.D., Professor of Natural Resources Science and Director of the Coastal Institute, University of Rhode Island

About the Author

David M. Theobald is a Research Scientist at the Natural Resource Ecology Lab and Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resource, Recreation and Tourism at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. He is also the author of GIS Concepts and ArcGIS Methods (for ArcGIS v8).

Product Details

• Paperback: 378 pages
• Publisher: Conservation Planning Technologies, Inc.; 1ST edition (January 2003)
• ISBN-10: 0967920825
• ISBN-13: 978-0967920825
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,010,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book about ArcGIS, beats anything ESRI produces, September 5, 2004

By 

Book Fan (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: GIS Concepts and ArcGIS Methods (Paperback)

This book is heads and shoulders above anything else I've ever seen (so far) about ArcGIS.

This book (and its predecessor _GIS Concepts and ArcView Methods_) is a very successful integration of the principles and power of Geographic Information Systems, along with how to do it in ArcGIS (or ArcView in the case of its predecessor). It gives the high level view as well as the low level steps, but well integrated so that you learn what to do and why to do it at the same time. You also get the middle level information, like what the data structures are and how to use them, etc. And when you want to refer to a method later, it is concisely described. You come out knowing what GIS is, as well as knowing how to do it in ArcGIS.

Most other books about Arc software suffer from an incredibly bloated style that hide principles inside low level instructions, e.g. click on this command, move the cursor here on the screen, etc. filling out the pages with screen shots so that there is very little content per page. And at the end of it all, the feeling is that you've done an exercise, and can copycat the steps, but don't have the principles or the broad view of how to use the program.

If you want to really learn ArcGIS, this is the book to get.