Review
"a compelling and accessible text" "The team of authors is one of the most distinguished ever assembled to write a GI textbook" "Once in a generation a textbook appears which redefines its field and becomes the standard for years to come. This is such a book." (GI News, June 2001)
"It is up-to-date, trendy in style but nonetheless well written." (Geometrics World, September 2001)
"It is an excellent book and one that the authors can rightly be proud of." (Civil Engineering Surveyor, November 2001)
"Once in a while a book comes along that makes you sit up and take notice. This is one of those times. As an introduction to the seductive world of GIS, it is unsurpassed". (Geography, January 2002)
"...it packages very good material in a highly attractive, interesting and palatable way..." (Environmental Planning B, Vol.29, No.4 2002)
"...The text is excellent and competitors would be hard pushed to beat it...I would definitely recommend it..." (Information Technology and Tourism, Vol.5, No.2)
From the Back Cover
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.
Paul A. Longley - University College London,UK
David J. Maguire - ESRI, Redlands CA, USA
Michael F. Goodchild - University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
David W. Rhind - City University, London, UK
