Geographic Information Systems Demystified

by Stephen R Galati

Overview

Geographic information systems (GIS) - a central repository of geographic data collected from various sources, including satellites and GPS - is emerging as one of the most intriguing and promising high-tech fields. Today, many technical, managerial, engineering, and academic positions require GIS skills, and this easy-to-understand resource answers the call. The book examines and explains all of the critical GIS concepts in a clear voice and in a consistent structure. It provides technical and non-technical professionals, regardless of their background, with an accessible and practical guide to important GIS know-how. While other GIS-learning sources are software-product biased, this unique volume offers an unbiased approach to the fundamentals of learning GIS, helping the reader become functional and knowledgeable in this burgeoning area.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781580535335
Publisher:	Artech House, Incorporated
Publication date:	09/28/2006
Series:	Artech House Mobile Communications Ser.
Pages:	270
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Stephen R. Galati is a northeast marketing manager for TRC Environmental Corporation from Mount Vernon, Maine. He holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Pratt Institute and an M.A. in English from the College of Staten Island, City University of New York. Mr. Galati is a member of the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, American Geophysical Union, and the New York City Chapter of Geographic Information Systems and Mapping Operations (GISMO), as well as a GeoData Alliance Affiliate.

Table of Contents

Introduction. Part 1: What Is a Geographic Information System? From Geographic Data to Geographic Information - How Does a GIS Work? Why Use a GIS? The Structure of Geographic Data. Geospatial Metadata. Part 2: Geodesy, Earth Models and Coordinate Systems—Understanding the Core GIS Environment - The Basics of Geodesy and Scale. The Ellipsoid. The Horizontal Datum. The Vertical Datum. The Map Projection. The Coordinate System. Part 3: GIS Applications and Environments—Geographic Data for Analysis and Presentation - Thematic Mapping. GIScience, Engineering and Related Applications. GIS and the Environment. GIS and the Public. Getting Started with GIS - Environments, Tools, and Data. Afterward: Geographic Information Systems. Appendices. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.