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
