Geographical Data: Characteristics and Sources represents a response to the remarkable growth in the volume of geographical data in recent years, especially in the amount captured directly into a digital format. Information and communication technologies are now the basis for analysing, handling and visualising data about the Earth's surface, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide the tools for performing these tasks within the public, private and educational sectors. This book focuses on the principle sources of geographical data and provides a comprehensive overview of their characteristics and analytical capabilities.

Geographical Data: Characteristics and Sources is a unique text in several ways:

• Details the characteristics of spatial and thematic geographical data relating to the environmental and human domains. These types of data are remotely sensed, cartographic, census/survey, and administrative/statutory

• Highlights the benefits and drawbacks of using geographical data

• Focuses on the availability of digital (rather than analogue) geo-referenced datasets

• Presents a comparative development of spatial data frameworks from countries across the world in Australasia, Asia, Europe and North America

• Looks to future developments in Internet-based GIS, online access and potential new sources of geographical data.

A practice-oriented and accessible introduction to geographical statistics In the newly revised Second Edition of Practical Statistics for Geographers and Earth Scientists, distinguished researcher Nigel Walford delivers an authoritative and easy-to-follow introduction to the principles and applications of statistical analysis in a geographical context. The book assists students in the development of competence in the statistical procedures necessary to conduct independent investigations, field-work, and related geographical research projects. The book explains statistical techniques relevant to geographical, geospatial, earth, and environmental data. It employs graphics and mathematical notation for maximum clarity. Guidance is provided on how to formulate research questions to ensure that the correct data is collected for the chosen analysis method. This new edition incorporates a new section on exploratory spatial analysis and spatial statistics. It also offers: A thorough introduction to first principles in the statistical analysis of geographical data, including discussions of the quality, content, collection, and acquisition of geographical data In-depth treatments of geographical data exploration, including the taking of statistical measures or quantities, as well as frequency distributions, probability, and hypotheses Comprehensive explorations of testing times, including parametric and nonparametric tests Insightful discussions of relationship investigation, including correlation and regression, as well as the spatial aspects of geographical data Perfect for undergraduates pursuing a degree in geography, Practical Statistics for Geographers and Earth Scientists will also be a valuable tool for students in other earth and environmental sciences.

It is increasingly important for the earth science student to appreciate that the acquisition of skills in statistics and computerised data analysis is as much part of modern geography as work in the field, laboratory or library. In this respect, Geographical Data Analysis aims to link the use of statistical techniques by means of computer software, to the acquisition of geographical-knowledge and the scientific method of enquiry. The book has three objectives: to explain basic statistical techniques and demonstrate their application to quantitative geography; to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for carrying out research projects; and to make the link between statistical analysis and the substantive topics taught as part of a geography course. An important innovative feature of the book is its ‘project-orientated’ approach, which utilises exemplar projects drawn from human and physical geography. Each exemplar project shows the progress from the conception of the initial research through to the formulation of tentative hypotheses and the subsequent statistical analysis. The projects exemplify both primary and secondary methods for collecting geographical data, with the computer-based application of a wide range of statistical techniques. Thus, these projects allow discussion of sample design, data collection and computerisation, and a selection of appropriate statistical techniques. As such, Geographical Data Analysis integrates quantitative and geographical methodologies and provides a thorough understanding of basic statistical techniques for the undergraduate geography student; it will be of use from first year through to final degree dissertations.

.While the early history of the steppe nomad is shrouded in obscurity, The Empire of the Steppes brings both the general reader and the specialist the majestic sweep, grandeur and the overriding intellectual grasp of Grousset’s original. Hailed as a masterpiece when first published in French in 1939, and in English in 1970, this great work of synthesis brings before us the people of the steppes, dominated by three mighty figures—Atilla, Genghiz Khan, and Tamberlain—as they marched through ten centuries of history, from the borders of China to the frontiers of the West. The book includes nineteen maps, a comprehensive index, notes, and bibliography. The late Rene Grousset was director of the Cernuschi Museum and curator of the Muse Guimet in Paris, a member of the French Academy and author of many works on Asia Minor and the Near East.