The contributors to this edited collection demonstrate that geographic information research is truly global in character, cutting across a wide range of disciplines and addressing conceptual, methodological, technical, ethical and political issues alike. Of the six themes, two are broadly concerned with data integration (geographic data infrastructures, GIS diffusion and implementation); two are more technical and conceptual in nature (generalisation, concepts and paradigms), and two reflect to a larger extent the application-driven nature of GIS technology (spatial analysis and multimedia). Each section is introduced by chapters highlighting the key research issues. Further chapters explore these issues in greater depth, and benefit from the international collaboration. Through the comparison of results included in this book, the prospects for advancing the field and addressing the challenges of GIS research are greatly improved.

This third book in the GISDATA series focuses on the widespread use of geographical information systems GIS in European local government. The editors include a wide range of applications carried out by different professional groups, and offer the opportunity of studying the extent to which diffusion of innovations like GIS are sensitive to national issues such as cultural context, institutional setup and the availability of data.; The book answers key questions such as: what can be learnt from research on organizational behaviour in relation to technological innovation?; what are the classical features of the GIS diffusion process?; to what extent is the adoption and utilization of GIS facilitated - or impeded - by the organizational culture within which it takes place?; and what mechanisms can be applied to enhance the diffusion of GIS? The book covers aspects of diffusion in the following European countries: UK, France, Italy, Poland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Germany, Greece and Portugal.

Significant advances in the evaluation and use of geographic information have had a major effect on key elements of public health. Strides in mapping technology as well as the availability and accuracy of health information enable public health practitioners to link and analyze data in new ways at international, regional, and even street levels. This geographical perspective generates new approaches in the study of communicable disease control, environmental health protection, health needs assessment, planning and policy, operational public health management, and many other areas. GIS in Public Health Practice includes contributions from the leading researchers in the field who participated in the First European Conference on Geographic Information Sciences and Public Health. This event promoted the use of GIS within the realm of public health. Specifically selected and expanded contributions illustrate particular areas of application and address issues of major importance. Many of the chapters have a UK or European focus, but examine issues, principles, and methods that are relevant worldwide. GIS in Public Health Practice is the first book to treat GIS as more than a mere technology. It recognizes GIS as a science that encompasses the development and application of scientific methods toward solving societal problems, an emerging facet of public health research and practice. This compilation is beneficial to all practitioners and researchers with an interest in public health.

Significant advances in the evaluation and use of geographic information have had a major effect on key elements of public health. Strides in mapping technology as well as the availability and accuracy of health information enable public health practitioners to link and analyze data in new ways at international, regional, and even street levels. This geographical perspective generates new approaches in the study of communicable disease control, environmental health protection, health needs assessment, planning and policy, operational public health management, and many other areas. GIS in Public Health Practice includes contributions from the leading researchers in the field who participated in the First European Conference on Geographic Information Sciences and Public Health. This event promoted the use of GIS within the realm of public health. Specifically selected and expanded contributions illustrate particular areas of application and address issues of major importance. Many of the chapters have a UK or European focus, but examine issues, principles, and methods that are relevant worldwide. GIS in Public Health Practice is the first book to treat GIS as more than a mere technology. It recognizes GIS as a science that encompasses the development and application of scientific methods toward solving societal problems, an emerging facet of public health research and practice. This compilation is beneficial to all practitioners and researchers with an interest in public health.