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.

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.

Practical Statistics for Geographers and Earth Scientists provides an introductory guide to the principles and application of statistical analysis in context. This book helps students to gain the level of competence in statistical procedures necessary for independent investigations, field-work and other projects. The aim is to explain statistical techniques using data relating to relevant geographical, geospatial, earth and environmental science examples, employing graphics as well as mathematical notation for maximum clarity. Advice is given on asking the appropriate preliminary research questions to ensure that the correct data is collected for the chosen statistical analysis method. The book offers a practical guide to making the transition from understanding principles of spatial and non-spatial statistical techniques to planning a series analyses and generating results using statistical and spreadsheet computer software. * Learning outcomes included in each chapter * International focus * Explains the underlying mathematical basis of spatial and non-spatial statistics * Provides an geographical, geospatial, earth and environmental science context for the use of statistical methods * Written in an accessible, user-friendly style Datasets available on accompanying website at www.wiley.com/go/Walford

Practical Statistics for Geographers and Earth Scientists provides an introductory guide to the principles and application of statistical analysis in context. This book helps students to gain the level of competence in statistical procedures necessary for independent investigations, field-work and other projects. The aim is to explain statistical techniques using data relating to relevant geographical, geospatial, earth and environmental science examples, employing graphics as well as mathematical notation for maximum clarity. Advice is given on asking the appropriate preliminary research questions to ensure that the correct data is collected for the chosen statistical analysis method. The book offers a practical guide to making the transition from understanding principles of spatial and non-spatial statistical techniques to planning a series analyses and generating results using statistical and spreadsheet computer software. * Learning outcomes included in each chapter * International focus * Explains the underlying mathematical basis of spatial and non-spatial statistics * Provides an geographical, geospatial, earth and environmental science context for the use of statistical methods * Written in an accessible, user-friendly style Datasets available on accompanying website at www.wiley.com/go/Walford

.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.