Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Falguni Mukherjee is professor of environmental and geosciences and associate dean for graduate student success in the Graduate and Professional School at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Mukherjee’s research centers on the interaction between science, society, and technology. She particularly focuses on the process of technology use for urban governance in a non-western context and the focal point of her research is urban local bodies in South Asia. She also utilizes remote sensing technology to understand earth-environment interactions in her research.

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: What is GIS?

Learning Objectives

Why GIS?

What is GIS?

Components of a GIS

Location Information

A GIS Integrates Information

Processes Performed by a GIS

History of GIS

Questions and Activities

Key Terms

References

Bibliography

Chapter 2: Projections and Coordinate Systems

Learning Objectives

Location Information

Cartography and Maps

Shape of the Earth

Map Projections

Coordinate Systems

Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinate System

The Military Grid Coordinate System

United States National Grid

State Plane Coordinate System

Other Systems

Questions and Activities

Key Terms

References

Chapter 3: GIS Spatial Data Models

Learning Objectives

Representing Real World Features

Vector Data Model

Vector Data Model Structures

Raster Data Model

Comparing the Two Spatial Data Models

File Formats

Questions and Activities

Key Terms

References

Chapter 4: Attribute Data

Learning Objectives

Representing Aspatial Data and Information

Database Management System

RDBMS and GIS

Types of Data

Functions in an Attribute Table

Questions and Activities

Key Terms

References

Chapter 5: Geospatial Data

Learning Objectives

Geospatial Data

Finding Geospatial Data

Field Methods and Geospatial Data Creation

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Remote Sensing Data Collection

Geocoding

Questions and Activities

Key Terms

References

Chapter 6: GIS and Cartography

Learning Objectives

Why Cartography?

Cartographic Elements of a Map

GIS Maps

Questions and Activities

Key Terms

References

Chapter 7: GIS Softwares

Learning Objectives

GIS Softwares

ArcGIS

QGIS

GRASS GIS

gvSIG Desktop

Software Selection

Questions and Activities

Key Terms

References

Chapter 8: GIS and Society

Learning Objectives

GIS and Society – Why?

GIS and Organization – Principles of GIS Project Management

GIS and Society

Questions and Activities

Key Terms

References

Chapter 9: GIS – Possibilities and the Future

Learning Objectives

The World of GIS

What Can You Do with a GIS Degree?

What Lies Ahead?

Questions and Activities

Key Terms

References

Chapter 10: Geospatial Data Analysis

Learning Objectives

Geospatial Analysis – What and Why?

Retrieving Data

Spatial Analysis Using Vector Data

Spatial Analysis Using Raster Data

Questions and Activities

Key Terms

References

About the Author

Series Page

Glossary