Introduction to Mathematical Techniques used in GIS (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "It used to be said that geography was about "maps," as distinct from "chaps..." (more)
Key Phrases: braced quadrilateral, cosine formulae, elemental triangle (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book provides a good introduction to basic and fundamental mathematics normally assumed in GIS operations and the analysis of the results…the presentation is clear and easy to follow with numerous numerical examples. The key material is often summarized in boxes for use independently of a continuous reading of the text…this small book can be very useful as a text or reference in continuing education, especially for non-technical personnel. For self-study, problems and exercises from other references can be used to supplement this text.
-Geomatica, Vol. 59. No. 2, 2005

This book provides a good introduction to basic and fundamental mathematics normally assumed in GIS operations and the analysis of the results…the presentation is clear and easy to follow with numerous numerical examples. The key material is often summarized in boxes for use independently of a continuous reading of the text…this small book can be very useful as a text or reference in continuing education, especially for non-technical personnel. For self-study, problems and exercises from other references can be used to supplement this text.
-Geomatica, Vol. 59. No. 2, 2005

Product Description

To understand the output from a geographic information system, one must understand the quality of the data that is entered into the system, the algorithms driving the data processing, and the limitations of the graphic displays.

Introduction to Mathematical Techniques Used in GIS explains to nonmathematicians the fundamentals that support the manipulation and display of geographic information. It focuses on basic mathematical techniques, building upon a series of steps that enable a deeper understanding of the complex forms of manipulation that arise in the handling of spatially related data.

The book moves rapidly through a wide range of data transformations, outlining the techniques involved. Many are precise, building logically on underlying assumptions. Others are based upon statistical analysis and the pursuit of the optimum rather than the perfect and definite solution.

By understanding the mathematics behind the gathering, processing, and display of information, GIS professionals can advise others on the integrity of results, the quality of the information, and the safety of using it.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: CRC; 1 edition (October 14, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415334144
• ISBN-13: 978-0415334143
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #703,515 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Introduction To Mathematical Techniques Used In GIS, August 10, 2005

By	GISUSER (North America) - See all my reviews

I learnt a lot from reading this book. It begins with a simple introduction of the basic but necessary mathematical tools required to understand how GIS software tools and concepts operate. This understanding opens up new opportunities for users to code new functions into the API's that are becoming standard fare of many of the commercial spatial software.

However, the intensity of the contents climb steeply in the middle chapters and the unfocused reader can easily be lost amongst the concepts. Making it to the end of the book will bring a new realization about how our GIS really operates. One good feature is that the chapters are very short and concise, so by the time you are bored, the chapter comes to an end and you can reflect back in sensemaking mode. This is a very understandable book to those who take the patience to read it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good at explaining the math, bad at tying in the math to GIS, August 18, 2006

By	calvinnme "Texan refugee" (Fredericksburg, Va) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

This book covers just about all of the math involved in GIS calculations from basic mathematics and algebra through calculus and statistics. The explanations are very accessible and the examples are clear. However, the book does a rather poor job of tying the mathematics back into solving problems in cartography. In fact, it does not even tackle that job at all. Instead, the first chapter of the book is a rather vague one entitled "Characteristics of Geographic Information" that talks about various mathematical problems in GIS, and that is the end of the discussion for the remainder of the book. Another problem with the book is that there are no exercises for the student. This is a real setback, since there is such a variety of mathematics being presented in this book that I would think that exercises would be not only appropriate but a necessity. Both straight numerical exercises and also a few "projects" that utilize various mathematical concepts in GIS would be very helpful.

If you are an instructor and you think you know how to fill in the gaps left in this book, it would probably make a good template from which to teach, but I would not recommend it to students who intend to self-teach the material.