Geographic Information Systems: A Guide to the Technology

Geographic Information Systems: A Guide to cessing, spreadsheets, and data base the Technology was born of need-the need management. Recently, geographic infor­ for a comprehensive work on the emerg­ mation management technology came to ing field of geographic information man­ the desktop, signaling a new era of in­ agement technology. creasing use and popularity. Enthusiastic We encountered the need often in our users have long been the main source of work at PlanGraphics, Inc. , a leading com­ grassroots support and growth. puter consulting firm that specializes in We perceive at least three broad audi­ the design and implementation of geo­ ences for this book: 1) executives, man­ graphic information systems (GIS) and as­ agers, professionals, and other lay people; sists organizations in using the technology 2) practitioners and technicians; and 3) stu­ to solve problems and perform work more dents and academicians. We recognize efficiently. We needed it, our clients that Geographic Information Systems cannot needed it, and it didn't exist. completely satisfy the disparate needs of Geographic information management any of these groups, but we have tried to technology-using computers to map, give each of these audiences a foundation draw, store, and manipulate spatial data­ upon which to build. Our purpose is two­ evolved independently in many places fold. We hope to aid those considering, with many variations.