A jargon-free primer on GIS concepts and the essential tech tools
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is the fascinating technology field that's all about understanding and visualizing our world. GIS For Dummies introduces you to the essential skills you'll need if you want to become a geospatial data guru. You'll learn to read, analyze, and interpret maps, and you'll discover how GIS professionals create digital models of landscapes, cities, weather patterns, and beyond. Understand how advances in technology, including AI, are turning GIS tools into powerful assets for solving real-world problems and protecting the planet. This beginner-friendly book makes it easy to grasp necessary GIS concepts so you can apply GIS in your organization, pursue a career in this dynamic field, or just impress others with your geographic knowledge.
- Learn the basics of data analysis, interpretation, and modeling using Geographic Information Systems
- Gain the skills to read and interpret all types of maps and visual GIS information
- Discover how GIS is used in fields like urban planning, environmental science, business, and disaster management
- Explore whether a career in GIS could be right for you
GIS For Dummies is the perfect starting point for students, professionals, and anyone curious about the potential of GIS as a technology or career choice.
Introduction 1
Part 1: GIS: Geography on Steroids 5
Chapter 1: Understanding GIS 7
Chapter 2: Learning GIS Core Concepts 19
Chapter 3: Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Maps 37
Part 2: Geography Goes Digital 55
Chapter 4: Creating a Conceptual Model 57
Chapter 5: Understanding the GIS Data Models 69
Chapter 6: Keeping Track of Attribute Data 85
Chapter 7: Collecting Geographic Data 101
Part 3: Retrieving, Counting, and Characterizing Geography 119
Chapter 8: Exploring the World through Raster Data 121
Chapter 9: Finding Features in Vector Data 133
Chapter 10: Searching for Geographic Objects, Distributions, and Groups 151
Part 4: Analyzing Geographic Patterns 167
Chapter 11: Measuring Distance 169
Chapter 12: Working with Statistical Surfaces 183
Chapter 13: Exploring Topographic Surfaces 199
Chapter 14: Working with Networks 213
Chapter 15: Exploring Map Overlay 233
Chapter 16: Mastering Map Algebra and Cartographic Models 245
Part 5: GIS Output and Application 267
Chapter 17: Generating Output with GIS 269
Chapter 18: Automating GIS 293
Chapter 19: GIS in Organizations and Career Development 303
Part 6: The Part of Tens 317
Chapter 20: Ten GIS Software Options 319
Chapter 21: Ten GIS Data Sources 329
Chapter 22: Ten GIS Trends to Watch 337
Index 345
Jami Dennis is a certified GIS Professional with more than 30 years experience in GIS, socio-economic research, demographic studies, data analysis, and data visualization. She is the owner of Geodetic Analysis, LLC.
