An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems

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.

An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems

Third Edition

Ian Heywood
Sarah Cornelius
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.

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;
• Reflection boxes ? included at the end of each main section - enable you to check progress and further explore the key issues;
• 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;
• A dedicated website including:
  o Self-test multiple-choice questions and extension activities
  o Weblinks for further investigation.
  o Datasets offering practice and extension opportunities.
  o PowerPoints containing the main images from the text.

An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems is suitable for students of Geographical Information studies at all levels, from undergraduate to professionals retraining in GIS.

About the authors

Ian Heywood, previously Director of Learning for UK BusinessLab Ltd., Director of Open and Distance Learning for RobertGordonUniversity, Aberdeen, and a Senior Lecturer in GIS at ManchesterMetropolitanUniversity, is now Director of Skills and Learning for Scottish Enterprise Grampian.

Sarah Corneliusis a trainer a Lecturer in the Schoolof Educationat the Universityof Aberdeenand an Associate Lecturer at the Open University.

Steve Carver is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the Universityof Leeds. He was the Director of Leeds? successful MSc in GIS for twelve years and is now BSc Programme Manager.

Additional student support at www.pearsoned.co.uk/heywood