An Introduction Geographical Information Systems

This authoritative book offers an up-to-date introduction to the world of Geographical Information Systems. Fully revised an updated it is designed to be easy to use for students at all levels, from undergraduates to professionals retraining in GIS. The book focuses on the practical application of GIS, and considers how the technology works.

"An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, Third Edition" is written by Ian Heywood, Sarah Cornelius, and Steve Carver. The third edition of this highly regarded and successful text continues to provide a clear and accessible introduction to the world of GIS for students and professionals. With an increased focus on the practical applications of GIS, the new edition features a wealth of new multi-disciplinary case studies and examples of GIS in practice, demonstrating how it is used worldwide and within a variety of different industries. Furthermore, the new edition has been substantially revised and updated to include coverage of the latest advances in GIS such as location-based services, time-based GIS, web mapping, data supply and 3D visualization. It features: a striking new full-colour design enriches the photographs, maps, diagrams, and screenshots to provide a highly visual illustration of GIS output and applications; a selection of new international case studies written by both specialists and practitioners provides a detailed picture of how GIS is used across a variety of different disciplines and industries; practice boxes demonstrate how GIS tools and techniques are applied in the real world across a range of sectors including business, environmental management, tourism and planning; theory boxes provide consolidation of important issues and concepts; reflective questions - included at the end of each main section - enable you to check progress and further explore the key issues; and a range of useful revision material at the end of each chapter including questions, text and web-based activities and a guide to further reading. This book also features a dedicated website including: self-test multiple-choice questions and extension activities; Weblinks for further investigation; datasets offering practice and extension opportunities; and PowerPoints containing the main images from the text. The book can be used to give the reader a brief tour through the world of GIS, to help develop a thorough understanding of the area or as a source of reference information. "An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems" is suitable for students of Geographical Information studies at all levels, from undergraduate to professionals retraining in GIS. Heywood, previously Director of Learning for UK Business Lab Ltd., is Director of Open and Distance Learning for Robert Gordon University. Aberdeen, and a Senior Lecturer in GIS at Manchester Metropolitan University, is now Director of Skills and Learning for Scottish Enterprise Grampian. Sarah Cornelius is a trainer, a Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Aberdeen and an Associate Lecturer at the Open University. Steve Carver is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the University of Leeds. He was the Director of Leeds' successful MSc in GIS for twelve years and is now BSc Programme Manager.