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))
Other Books by Dr. Michael DeMeres
Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems
Basics of Geographical Information Systems
GIS System Architecture Design
Anyone who spends a bit of time in the GIS industry will find the importance having a solid system foundation. If you or your company is new to GIS, then it would be wise to adequately plan the system infrastructure before investing in a system. But how do you know what to plan for? It can easily be overwhelming and costly if not well educated in this topic.
For help with this topic, Dave Peters with ESRI has put out a new book called Building a GIS: System Architecture Design Strategies for Managers. This book has laid the following areas to help present the facts before any decision is made.
Part I: Understanding the technology
Part II: Understanding the fundamentals
Part III: Putting it all together
Related Information:
Press Release: Directions Media
System Architecture & Design Zen…
http://gisdk.blogspot.com/2008/07/building-gis.html
http://www10.giscafe.com/nbc/articles/view_article.php?articleid=562364
Learning GIS with the Kindle
Amazon.com had made it a little easier to access GIS books. The Kindle is a device that allows you to access your books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs at a click of a button. You can carry this 10.3 ounce device anywhere. It works great outside as well as indoors. The screen has been designed to reduce eye strain. The cool thing is that the topics available are endless. The GIS list for the kindle provides some great topics.
One thing I like about the Kindle is the ability to do a search on a certain topic and it will return all downloaded books found with the topic. There is also a dictionary for when you need to look up a certain word from withon the text. This can be a big help when reading GIS topics. Now you can carry the content of all those massive GIS books in one small device.
Here are some of the GIS topics available for the Kindle:
- Open Source GIS: A GRASS GIS Approach
- Programming ArcObjects with VBA: A Task-Oriented Approach
- Pro Oracle Spatial for Oracle Database 11g
- 3-D Structural Geology: A Practical Guide to Surface and Subsurface Map Interpretation
- Spatial Technology and Archaeology
- Web Cartography
Click here for more info on the Kindle.
Cartography Intro Guide Book
August 15, 2008 by Timothy
Filed under Cartography, GIS Books
An excellent reference book for basic cartography techniques is the Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users book by Cynthia Brewer. Although this book does not go into extensive detail, it does cover the essential components of map making and cartography. The book is an easy read book with graphic illustrations.
Areas that are covered within this book are Read more
