Geographic Information Systems and Science

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-coupled 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 on 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 organizational 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 http://campus.esri.com have been specially written around the material in this book, and detailed learning guides identify other on-line resources. Additional free supplementary reference material is available through a Web site dedicated to the book www.wiley.co.uk/gis, www.wiley.com/gis. 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 on taught M.Sc. and other higher degree programs. Its user-friendly format is designed to appeal to professionals working for federal, state and local organizations.