An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems

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