Exploring Geographic Information Systems

by Nicholas R. Chrisman
University of Washington

320 pages, Paper, 0-10842-1, 1997.

This textbook on geographic information systems (GIS) goes beyond the traditional sequence input-processing-output by adopting an innovative view of the field. Chrisman views geographic information as a technical problem, an empowering application, a pure science endeavor, an academic pursuit and a social necessity, rather than pretending that it is simply a neutral tool.

This web resource provides access to services that will extend the book and keep it up-to-date.

Index: Table of Contents | Glossary | Definition of GIS | Links to citations and resources | Instructor's Manual | About the Author | Back to John Wiley College Division

Version of 5 January 1997


Second Edition

Scheduled to appear in June 2001

The second edition of this text has been through two cycles of peer review and two cycles of editorial revision. The main intent is to clarify the beginning of the book. An introduction now provides an entrance through a specific project. Chapter 1 now places reference systems first to emphasize the similarities between time, space, and attribute. Chapter 2 has been carefully edited for clarity and focus on the most important topics. Chapter 3 is somewhat simiplified by moving the spatial reference material to Chapter 1. Part 2 has been revised from a number of years of experience in teaching using the book. In particular, Chapter 5 has been integrated into one scheme from the two parts it had in the first edition. The tables in Chapter 9 has been revised for greater clarity in describing interpolation. Overall, the approach based on measurement frameworks and transformations has been strengthened.

Version of 7 November 2000