A Primer of GIS ─ Fundamental Geographic and Cartographic Concepts

This accessible text prepares students to understand and work with geographic information systems (GIS), offering a detailed introduction to essential theories, concepts, and skills. The book is organized in four modular parts that can be used in any sequence in entry-level and more specialized courses. Basic cartographic principles are integrated with up-to-date discussions of GIS technologies and applications. Coverage includes everything from what geographic information is to its many uses and societal implications. Practical examples and exercises invite readers to explore the choices involved in producing reliable maps and other forms of geographic information. 170 figures (including 16 in color) can be downloaded as PowerPoint slides from the companion website, which also includes links to Web resources for each chapter.

New to This Edition
*Chapter on online mapping and Big Data.
*New and updated discussions of remote sensing, vector and raster data models, location privacy, uses of geocoding, and other timely topics.
*Chapter on the many uses of GIS, such as in market analyses, emergency responding, and tracking of epidemics.
*Section overviews and an end-of-book glossary.

Pedagogical Features
*Modules and individual chapters can be used sequentially or in any order.
*End-of-chapter review questions with answers, exercises, and extended exercises for applying theories and concepts.
*"In-Depth" sidebars offering a closer look at key concepts and applications.
*End-of-chapter links to relevant Web resources.

Francis Harvey, PhD, is Head of the Department of Cartography and Visual Communication at the Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography and Professor of Visual Communication in Geography at Leipzig University in Germany. He was formerly Associate Professor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Society at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Harvey's research addresses a range of central issues in geographic information science, including visualization, ethics, values, institutional aspects, cadastral issues, pedagogy, and overlay algorithms. His teaching has covered the use of evolving geographic information technologies for undergraduates and graduate students in the United States and internationally. Currently, he is Chair of the International Geographical Union Commission on Geographic Information Science.