An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, 3/e

Description

The third edition of this successful text continues to provide a clear, practical and accessible introduction to the world of Geographical Information Systems. A selection of new features helps to explain and demonstrate how GIS are actually used, across a variety of disciplines and within a range of industries.

This edition is fully updated and includes coverage of the latest topics, such as web-based and mobile GIS. An increased focus is also placed on the practical applications of GIS to show their relevance and use within the world around us.

Table of Contents

Contents

 

List of figures

Preface

Guided tour

Case studies

Acknowledgements

Publisher’s acknowledgements

Abbreviations and acronyms

About the authors

 

Part 1 Fundamentals of GIS

 

1 What is GIS?

Learning outcomes

Introduction

Defining GIS

Components of a GIS

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

2 Spatial data

Learning outcomes

Introduction

Maps and their influence on the character of spatial data

Thematic characteristics of spatial data

Other sources of spatial data

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

3 Spatial data modelling

Learning outcomes

Introduction

Entity definition

Spatial data models

Spatial data structures

Modelling surfaces

Modelling networks

Building computer worlds

Modelling the third dimension

Modelling the fourth dimension

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

4 Database management

Learning outcomes

Introduction

Why choose a database approach?

Database models

Creating a database

GIS database applications

Developments in databases

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

5 Data input and editing

Learning outcomes

Introduction

Methods of data input

Data editing

Towards an integrated database

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

6 Data analysis

Learning outcomes

Introduction

Measurements in GIS – lengths, perimeters and areas

Queries

Reclassification

Buffering and neighbourhood functions

Integrating data – map overlay

Spatial interpolation

Analysis of surfaces

Network analysis

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

7 Analytical modelling in GIS

Learning outcomes

Introduction

Process models

Modelling physical and environmental processes

Modelling human processes

Modelling the decision-making process

Problems with using GIS to model spatial processes

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

8 Output: from new maps to enhanced decisions

Learning outcomes

Introduction

Maps as output

Non-cartographic output

Spatial multimedia

Mechanisms of delivery

GIS and spatial decision support

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

Part 2 Issues in GIS

 

9 The development of computer methods for handling spatial data

Learning outcomes

Introduction

Handling spatial data manually

The development of computer methods for handling spatial data

The development of GIS

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

10 Data quality issues

Learning outcomes

Introduction

Describing data quality and errors

Sources of error in GIS

Finding and modelling errors in GIS

Managing GIS error

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

1 1Human and organizational issues

Learning outcomes

Introduction

GIS applications

GIS users

Justifying the investment in GIS

Choosing and implementing a GIS

Organizational changes due to GIS

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

12 GIS project design and management

Learning outcomes

Introduction

Problem identification

Designing a data model

Project management

Implementation problems

Project evaluation

Conclusions

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

13 The Future of GIS

Learning outcomes

Introduction

GIS in the 1990s

Issues for GIS in the 1990s

Twenty predictions for GIS

Where next for GIS in the twenty first century

Conclusions

Epilogue

Revision questions

Further study – reading

Further study – activities

Web links

 

References

Glossary

Index