Books

ArcView GIS Means Business

Geographic information systems (GIS) are reshaping the business world. From multinational corporations to entrepreneurial start-ups, from hardware stores to hospitals, companies of every kind are bringing geographic analysis to bear on their business problems. In the process, they're making better decisions, serving their customers better, and finding new and better market opportunities.

Written for business professionals, ArcView GIS Means Business presents success stories chronicling the application of desktop GIS to a variety of common business problems. This is a behind-the-scenes look at how some of America's most successful companies have used ArcView GIS software from ESRI to gain a competitive advantage. Ten real world case studies feature such well known national firms as Ace Hardware Corp., Chase Manhattan Bank, Gold Gym Enterprises, and the U.S. Postal Service. ESRI, 1997.

Zeroing In: Geographic Information Systems at Work in the Community

Zeroing In is an accessible and engaging introduction to GIS for anyone who deals with maps and geographic information. The book presents a dozen real-world stories of GIS at work in every corner of the community: routing an ambulance, drawing new school boundaries, tracking crime, and more. Through the stories--fully illustrated with maps and photos--readers learn how GIS works, and how the technology helps people work smarter and make better decisions. ESRI, 1997, 114 pp.

Understanding GIS: The ARC/INFO Method - updated for ARC/INFO Version 7.1

This revised workbook teaches the basics of GIS in the context of completing an ARC/INFO project. A series of hands-on exercises leads users through the steps of a typical project.

The workbook is designed primarily for beginning ARC/INFO users, but GIS managers will find the first three lessons a useful introduction to the field. More experienced users can reference the book at various stages in their GIS projects. Understanding GIS can also provide the basis of the computer laboratory component for university GIS courses. ESRI, 1997.

Exploring Geographic Information Systems by Nicholas Chrisman

Radically different from most introductory texts, this book seeks to build critical thinking about the complicated choices involved in the design and use of GIS. The book begins by discussing geographic information itself, covering issues of measurement and representation. It then progresses through operations and transformations, the analytical core of a GIS. Lastly, the book moves into the cultural contexts of GIS. These aspects of GIS are often left out of the technical literature, but Chrisman makes a cogent argument that the data and technology in a GIS make sense only when put to some institutional or social purpose. Chrisman views practitioners as driving the technology, rather than vice versa. GIS unifies operations, not only bringing together different information, but connecting incompatible views of the world. Those who read Exploring Geographic Information Systems are bound to be more reflective students and practitioners of GIS. John Wiley & Sons, 1997, 320 pp.

Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems by Michael DeMers

This approachable text provides a gentle introduction to the concepts needed to think like a GIS practitioner. Comprehensive without being burdened with excessive detail, it offers introductory students insights into the idea of geographic inquiry and spatial discovery. It gives students a thorough familiarity with the wide variety of topics relevant to GIS. John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 504 pp.

Geographic Information Systems by Tor Bernhardsen

This outstanding introductory GIS text gives a broad, clear explanation of terms and effects. A large portion of the book deals with the introduction of GIS into an organizational structure. Other sections address basic GIS concepts; the challenges GIS can help meet; the historical development of GIS; digitizing the real world; hardware and software; sources, collection, and integration of data; data quality; databases; GIS tools; and cartographic communication. Finally, the book presents a series of case studies of GIS in developing countries, navigation, local government, and utilities. John Wiley & Sons, 1992, 318 pp.

Geographic Information Systems: A Management Perspective by Stan Aronoff

This concise, practical introduction provides comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals of GIS technology, the wide range of applications to which it is applied, and the management issues that arise in implementing and operating these systems. The book has become a valued reference for professionals and a standard text for college and university courses. Chapters cover the nature of GIS, remote sensing, data input and output, data quality, data management, GIS analysis functions, implementing a GIS, and conclusions. WDL Publications, 1989, 294 pp.

Getting Started with Geographic Information Systems by Keith Clarke

The first of its kind this book is a basic-level textbook for the beginning GIS student. Designed to make the complexity of this rapidly growing high-tech field accessible, the text uses basic, simple language and many examples, diagrams, and photographs throughout for a "learn by seeing" approach. The book clearly links theory and practice by providing interviews with practicing GIS professionals. It features an abundance of illustrations and photos, extensive chapter-end study aids, and generic laboratory assignments for use with any GIS software. Prentice Hall, 1997, 353 pp.

The Global Positioning System and GIS: An Introduction by Michael Kennedy