Product Description

GIS (geographic information system) is a totally cool technology that has been called “geography on steroids.” GIS is what lets you see the schools in your neighborhood or tells you where the nearest McDonald’s is. GIS For Dummies tells you all about mapping terminology and digital mapping, how to locate geographic features and analyze patterns such as streets and waterways, and how to generate travel directions, customer location lists, and much more with GIS.

Whether you’re in charge of creating GIS applications for your business or you simply love maps, you’ll find GIS For Dummies is packed with information. For example, you can:

• Learn all the hardware and software necessary to collect, analyze, and manipulate GIS data
• Explore the difference between 2D and 3D maps, create a map, or manage multiple maps
• Analyze patterns that appear in maps and interpret the results
• Measure distance in absolute, comparative, and functional ways
• Recognize how spatial factors relate to geographic data
• Discover how GIS is used in business, the military, city planning, emergency services, land management, and more
• Find out how GIS can help you find out where flooding may occur
• Determine what your organization needs, do appropriate analyses, and actually plan and design a GIS system

You’ll find dozens of applications for GIS queries and analyses, and even learn to create animated GIS output. Whether your goal is to implement a GIS or just have fun, GIS For Dummies will get you there!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #146906 in Books
• Published on: 2009-02-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780470236826
• Condition: USED - ACCEPTABLE
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From the Back Cover

Curious about GIS?

Organizing a GIS?

Here's the book you need!

Geographic information system, or GIS, is a powerful technology that has been called "geography on steroids." This book contains what you need to know on mapping terminology and digital mapping, how to locate geographic features and analyze their patterns, and how to generate travel directions, customer locations lists, and much more with GIS.

• GIS takes a village — know all the hardware and software necessary to collect, analyze, and manipulate GIS data

• Just for map mavens — explore the difference between 2D and 3D maps, create a map, or manage multiple maps

• What the data mean — analyze patterns that appear in maps and interpret the results

• Think spatially — recognize how spatial factors relate to geographic data

• On the grid — define and locate geographic objects on the grid

• The earth is not flat — accurately portray geographic features with map projections

• Technological duct tape — discover the many uses of GIS for business, the military, city planning, emergency services, land management, and more

• Design a GIS — determine what your organization needs, do appropriate analyses, and plan your system

Open the book and find:

• How to get paper maps into your computer

• Different ways to measure distance

• How to organize your spatial data

• What raster and vector mean to a cartographer

• How to choose a GIS software vendor

• How GIS can help you determine appropriate land use

• Dozens of applications for GIS queries and analyses

• How to create animated GIS output

About the Author

Michael N. DeMers is an Associate Professor of Geography with more than 25 years of GIS experience. He is also CEO of DeMers Geographics, a provider of educational resources for GIS students and educators.

Customer Reviews

Thorough yet Concise
I bought this book about a month ago and it surprised me how well it was put together and how much detail the author goes into without scaring the reader. I am a GIS professional and this is a great book for those who need to reference the inner workings of GIS, both technically and conceptually. I manage a small GIS shop with ~4 employees and two of them own this Book. On several occasions, I have seen them reference the book for project and class work. One said "It's easy to find what you're looking for in here; it's easily navigable!" The author does a great job of organizing the book into clear and concise sections that flow nicely. For the price, I strongly recommend this book; you are really getting 90% of a GIS textbook for 20% of the cost. Also, those who say this is too detailed for a dummies book, I say to you "what are you complaining about?" You are getting more bang for your buck! It is just like the rest of the dummies books in that it captures topic at hand in a clear manner; it is very understandable unlike several of the GIS books out there. Kudos on this book Dr. DeMers!

Good little guide for GIS Students
GIS For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Prospective students of GIS often inquire about appropriate reading materials for background information. This book is perfect for this purpose; however, its utility value does not stop there.

I find that the "Dummies" book is a terrific resource for students, as well as professionals.

It's worth including in your library, especially at such a reasonable price point.

Great for people with little knowledge about a GIS
This is a great book for users with little knowledge about a GIS. The book explains clearly what a GIS can do for you in simple English. If you want to know how a GIS can help your organisation with its daily operations, everyday life, or even teach and explain a GIS to other people, then this book is for you.

Please note that this book does not provide instructions on how to operate a GIS.