文档介绍：Geographic Information
Systems Demystified
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Geographic Information
Systems Demystified
Stephen R. Galati
a r techhouse. com
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
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British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN-10: 1-58053-533-x
ISBN-13: 978-1-58053-533-5
Cover design by Robert Pike
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10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
To my wife and my children, Zachary, Nicholas, Sarah, and Jacob
Contents
Preface xv
Acknowledgments xvii
Introduction xix
Part I: What Is a Geographic Information System? 1
1 How Does a GIS Work? 3
The Fundamental Flow of Information 3
Geography and Geographic Data 5
Georeferencing 8
Queries: Locations and Attributes 8
Geoprocessing 9
Spatial Analysis 11
Geographic Information 12
2 Why Use a GIS? 15
Discerning Your Need for GIS 16
vii
viii Geographic Information Systems Demystified
Common GIS Products and Bi-Products 17
Database Management Systems 19
Quality Assurance, Six Sigma, and GIS 25
Project Visibility and Popularity 26
Benefits, Cost Savings, and Automation 27