Geographic Information Systems: An Introduction, 3rd Edition

PREFACE

It is no more than three years since the previous edition of this book was published; however, technological developments in the field of GIS occur rapidly. In addition, there is always room for improvement. In this third edition I have attempted to maintain the original philosophy that the book should be at the introductory level while at the same time covering all relevant aspects linked to GIS. No major changes have been made in the chapter structure or in the choice of material. However, technological references have been updated and slightly extended. I have attempted to simplify the more difficult and obscure material, while going into greater depth with some of the material, such as georeferencing systems and geometric operations on geodata. The standardization work being carried out by such organizations as the International Standardization Organization (ISO), Open GIS Consortium (OGC), Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), and others has lately become a central theme in the GIS world, and I have attempted to incorporate this material more actively in the text. Moreover, as in earlier editions I have supplemented the text with simple, but I hope instructive, illustrations.

It is not possible to write this kind of book without assistance from others. In this connection I would particularly like to thank the following from the National Mapping Authority, Norway: Bjoern Geirr Harsson for his contribution to Chapter 6, “Georeferencing Systems,” Morten Borrebæk ...