Geographic Information Science and Systems

by Paul A. Longley, Paul A. Longley, Michael F. Goodchild

Effective use of today’s powerful GIS technology requires an understanding of the science of problem-solving that underpins it. Since the first edition published over a decade ago, this book has led the way, with its focus on the scientific principles that support GIS usage. It has also provided thorough, upto- date coverage of GIS procedures, techniques and public policy applications. This unique combination of science, technology and practical problem solving has made this book a best-seller across a broad spectrum of disciplines. This fully updated 4th edition continues to deliver on these strengths.

Genres: Geography, Science, Nonfiction, Technology, School, Academic, Unfinished

496 pages, Paperback

First published July 13, 2001

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY well-written book, interesting and full of examples and vignettes. Could use a little help in the math department, but other than that, it's a fabulous introduction to GIS.

[Roy Karros · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find this book overly complicated as an introductory book in certain regard with overly complicated language. I also keep wishing that it was rearranged with chapter that are in the middle maybe should in the beginning to provide a better introduction. Finally I also keep seeing grammar errors or just weird mistakes that can make it difficult to read and understand. Some of this may be due to the fact that I'm having to read it on my own with little outside help but it is still frustrating especially in the first 5 chapters.

[Michal Paszkiewicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful introduction, but the book has considerably aged over the last 19 years. It would be best to seek a more up-to-date book

[Joan Doss · Rating 2 out of 5]

To put it simply, this was not a useful textbook. It is overly complicated, doesn't clearly define new terms/concepts, and overall has an odd organization of topics.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was not expecting this book to include, and have thoroughly enjoyed so far:

• its critiques of GIS, ex Pickles' 1993 book
• discussion of the social implications of GIS, including GIS use in surveillance by private entities and non-govt agents
• the idea that "the world can be understood as a series of layers of different types of information, that can be added together meaningfully... to arrive at conclusions" (69).
• "...much wider communication became possible with the invention of the printing press in the Fifteenth Century. Now large numbers of copies of a representation could be made and distributed, and for the first time it became possible to imagine that something could be known by every human being- that knowledge could be the common property of humanity." (79) Gah! I wish all textbooks were so beautifully written.
• "Information... has a number of unusual characteristics as a commodity. In particular, it does not wear out through use, though it may diminish in value as time passes... Use by one individual does not reduce availability to others... This characteristic is summarized in this famous Thomas Jefferson quotation: 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening mine.'" (457).

Ideas that I'd like to read up on further:

• inferring process from pattern or function from form (69).
• "Geography is a science that has very few natural units of analysis" (57), and in general would like to follow up further on stats and theory related to the MAUP.
• Object data models.

[Lauren]

A primer. Has some of the throwaway, overwrought language of a high school textbook attempting to make up for its inability to get in depth with such basic, cornerstone material, but I have learned many things since I began reading it.

[Bill]

Prelims

[George Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Covers the principles really well.