Abstract

The study and application of spatial information systems have been developed primarily from the use of computers in the geosciences. These systems have the principle functions of capturing, storing, representing, manipulating, and displaying data in 2-D and 3-D worlds. This book approaches its subject from the perspectives of informatics and geography, presenting methods of conceptual modeling developed in computer science that provide valuable aids for resolving spatial problems. This book is an essential textbook for both students and practitioners. It is indispensable for academic geographers, computer scientists, and the GIS professional.

• Serves as the first comprehensive textbook on the field of Spatial Information Systems (also known as Geographic Information Systems)
• Contains extensive illustrations
• Presents numerous detailed examples

"It is...the first serious attempt to write a GIS text that has some substantial computer science in it.... an exciting new treatment of the computer science of GIS." --Michael Goodchild, NATIONAL CENTER FOR GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS

"I think this is a remarkable book, and the two very different personalities have combined to produce a very cohesive piece of work. This book presents a detailed and comprehensive discussion of the technical and theoretical aspects of spatial information. It ranges widely over important themes such as the nature and sources of spatial information, spatial referencing and modelling. This book should be essential reading for all those involved in teaching, research and development in spatial information systems. It is a comprehensive course book for all those who take Masters or Doctoral research in GIS, and should become a standard graduate-level text." --Michael Blakemore, NATIONAL ONLINE MANPOWER INFORMATION SYSTEM, United Kingdom

"I am impressed with the approach... the combination of the backgrounds of the authors--a geographer and a computer scientist--has worked to produce a book with a distinct 'modern' perspective." --Andrew U. Frank, NATIONAL CENTER FOR GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS

"A real service to the field... The book is rich with examples, many supported by the large number of clear--and clearly labeled--tables, diagrams, and other graphics; these illustrations...will be especially useful in teaching or explaining the topics covered... It should be especially attractive to students and others new to this growing field who will find it provides a thorough introduction to the underlying concepts." --Jack Dangerod, President, ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, Inc. (ESRI)