Is GIS Really for Dummies?
A new book has just recently been published called GIS For Dummies by Dr. Michael N. DeMers. Dr. DeMers is an associate professor in the Department of Geography at the New Mexico State University. This book helps introduce the Geospatial industry to those who may not be familiar with Geographic Information Systems. If you are not sure what GIS is, then I would suggest that you check it out! It seems to cover a little bit of everything.
For those of you have been in the GIS industry for a while, I question the actual need for this book. I understand that a lot of people think they are GIS professional, but are far from it. They would definitely benefit. I find it interesting that the authors describe its readers with this statement:
Whether you’re in charge of creating GIS applications for your business or you simply love maps, you’ll find GIS For Dummies is packed with information.
Do application developers really compare to map lovers? There is a big gap there. I do not think that one book can really cover adequately this entire spectrum. As a GIS professional, I would think that if there is a particular topic we want to learn then we will find a more specific GIS book.
Although I have yet to read this book, I would be very curious to see what this books holds. As stated on the back of the book, the following can be found within the pages:
- How to get paper maps into your computer
- How to create animated GIS output
- Different ways to measure distance
- How to organize your spatial data
- What raster and vector mean to a cartographer
- How to choose a GIS software vendor
- How GIS can help you determine appropriate land use
- Dozens of applications for GIS queries and analyses
All I can say is that you should form your own opinion. As an individual, you will find your own personal benefits that others will not. You will only get out of this book what you expect. Expect nothing, get nothing.
GIS For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
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