One of the key geographical developments over the last two centuries has been that of urbanisation. In recent years this has exploded globally, particularly in developing countries. It is essential for governments, planners and researchers in geography and allied fields to understand this process and the main way of being able to do this is to accurately map these changes. The main method of this mapping is Remote Sensing.
This up-to-date analysis of the area looks at a wide range of methodologies currently being used to produce and analyse remotely sensed data of urban areas. The authors examine the various techniques used to extract information from digital, multispectral images of urban areas. Donnay and Barnsley then go on to look at the identification of urban forms, the delineation of agglomerations and the development of urban morphology, considering the analysis of integrated data sets and surface models and going on to look at the estimation of human population levels.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203306066

One of the key geographical developments over the last two centuries has been that of urbanisation. In recent years this has exploded globally, particularly in developing countries. It is essential for governments, planners and researchers in geography and allied fields to understand this process and the main way of being able to do this is to accurately map these changes. The main method of this mapping is Remote Sensing. This up-to-date analysis of the area looks at a wide range of methodologies currently being used to produce and analyse remotely sensed data of urban areas. The authors examine the various techniques used to extract information from digital, multispectral images of urban areas. Donnay and Barnsley then go on to look at the identification of urban forms, the delineation of agglomerations and the development of urban morphology, considering the analysis of integrated data sets and surface models and going on to look at the estimation of human population levels.

The Guide has been designed for everyone involved in geospatial analysis, from undergraduate and postgraduate to professional analyst, software engineer and GIS practitioner. It builds upon the spatial analysis topics included in the US National Academies 'Beyond Mapping' and 'Learning to think spatially' agendas, the UK 'Spatial Literacy in Teaching' programme, the NCGIA Core Curriculum and the AAAG/UCGIS Body of Knowledge. As such it provides a valuable reference guide and accompaniment to courses built around these programmes.

Geographic Information Systems and Science is a landmark in the evolution of GIS. It is a book that captures and redefines the richness and diversity of GIS, in an accessible form. It presents a clearly-defined path to a world of learning about GIS, using the Internet and closely-couples reference sources. It is richly produced and illustrated unlike any other in the field, with over 300 full color illustrations.

Geographic Information Systems and Science is unique in several ways. It presents comprehensive treatments of:
*Geographic Information Science - the scientific context to GIS, technical content and geographic implications
*The real value of GIS - illustrated using real world applications. Treatments emphasize operational, tactical and strategic issues
*The impact of Internet GIS on interdisciplinary science and society
*The pivotal role of GIS as a business driver in the information age - including the role of GIS as a business asset and the operational dynamics of its use in practice

The book is the first to provide a gateway to Internet-based classroom and distance learning. A series of modules of the ESRI Virtual Campus have been specially written around the material in this book, and detailed learning guides identify other on-line sources. Additional free supplementary reference material is available through a Web site dedicated to the book
Contents
The book begins by developing the themes of GI Systems and GI Science, and illustrates the practical value of GIS through real case studies. The major parts then consider:
*GIS Principles
*GIS Techniques
*GIS Practice

A concluding section anticipates the future of GIS and prospects for the people who use it.

This book is suitable for 2nd/3rd year undergraduates taking courses in GIS within departments of Geography, Environmental Science, Forestry, Business Studies and Economics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Planning, and Archaeology. It is also suitable as a foundation course taught in M.Sc. and other higher degree programs. Its user-friendly format is designed to appeal to professionals working for federal, state and local organizations.
Paul A. Longley - University College London,UK
David J. Maguire - ESRI, Redlands CA, USA
Michael F. Goodchild - University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
David W. Rhind - City University, London, UK