Geographic Information Systems For Geoscientists

Geographic Information Systems for Geoscientists: Modelling with GIS provides an introduction to the ideas and practice of GIS to students and professionals from a variety of geoscience backgrounds. The emphasis in the book is to show how spatial data from various sources (principally paper maps, digital images and tabular data from point samples) can be captured in a GIS database, manipulated, and transformed to extract particular features in the data, and combined together to produce new derived maps, that are useful for decision-making and for understanding spatial interrelationship. The book begins by defining the meaning, purpose, and functions of GIS. It then illustrates a typical GIS application. Subsequent chapters discuss methods for organizing spatial data in a GIS; data input and data visualization; transformation of spatial data from one data structure to another; and the combination, analysis, and modeling of maps in both raster and vector formats. This book is intended as both a textbook for a course on GIS, and also for those professional geoscientists who wish to understand something about the subject. Readers with a mathematical bent will get more out of the later chapters, but relatively non-numerate individuals will understand the general purpose and approach, and will be able to apply methods of map modeling to clearly-defined problems.

Most geoscientists are aware of recent IT developments, but cannot spend time on obscure technicalities. Few have considered their implications for the science as a whole. Yet the information industry is moving fast: electronic delivery of hyperlinked multimedia; standards to support interdisciplinary and geographic integration; new models to represent and visualize our concepts, and control and manage our activities; plummeting costs that force the pace. To stay on course, the scientist needs a broad appreciation of the complex and profound interactions of geoscience and IT, not previously reviewed in a single work. The book brings together ideas from many sources, some probably unfamiliar, that bear on the geoscience information system. It encourages readers to give thought to areas that, for various reasons, they have taken for granted, and to take a view on forces affecting geoscience, the consequences for themselves and their organisations, and the need to reconsider, adapt and rebuild. Practicing geoscientists with a general interest in how IT will affect their work and influence future directions of the science; geoscientists familiar with IT applications in their own specialist field who need a broader perspective; and students or educators specializing in IT applications in geoscience who require a top-down overview of their subject will find this title valuable. The IT background from this book should help geoscientists build a strategy for the new century.

This book starts with an overview of GIS technology, what GIS technology is, what it can do, what software products are available, etc. Then, throughout the book, the author explains with many case studies, programs, maps, graphics, and 3D models how GIS and other related technologies can be used to automate mapping processes, collect, process, edit, store, manage, and share datasets, statistically analyze data, model, and visualize large datasets to understand patterns, trends, and relationships to make educated decisions. This book is an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in GIS and related technologies, geology, natural resource, and environmental science.

Incorporating recent advances made in remote sensing technology, this text draws attention to ways in which remote sensing may minimize the environmental impact of exploration and improve cost-effectiveness. Topics include image processing, geographic information systems, current and future sensing

This third edition of the bestselling Remote Sensing for Geologists: A Guide to Image Interpretation is now titled Remote Sensing for Geoscientists: Image Analysis and Integration. The title change reflects that this edition applies to a broad spectrum of geosciences, not just geology; stresses that remote sensing has become more than photointerpretation; and emphasizes integration of multiple remote sensing technologies to solve Earth science problems. The text reviews systems and applications, explains what to look for when analyzing imagery, and provides abundant case histories to illustrate the integration and application of these tools. See What’s New in the Second Edition: Broader coverage to include integration of multiple remote sensing technologies Expanded with significant new illustrations in color and reviews of new satellites and sensors Analysis of imagery for geobotanical remote sensing, remote geochemistry, modern analogs to ancient environments, and astrogeology The book covers how to initiate a project, including determining the objective, choosingthe right tools, and selecting imagery. It describes techniques used in geologic mapping and mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, image analysis used in mine development and petroleum exploitation, site evaluation, groundwaterdevelopment, surface water monitoring, geothermal resource exploitation, and logistics. It also demonstrates how imageryis used to establish environmental baselines; monitor land, air, and water quality; maphazards; and determine the effects of global warming. The many examples of geologic mapping on other planets and the moon highlight how to analyze planetary surface processes, map stratigraphy, and locate resources. The book then examines remote sensing and the public, geographic information systems and Google Earth, and how imagery is used by the media, in the legal system, in public relations, and by individuals. Readers should come away with a good understanding of what is involved in image analysis and interpretation and should be ableto recognize and identify geologic features of interest. Having read this book, they should be able to effectively use imagery in petroleum, mining, groundwater, surface water, engineering, and environmental projects.

Geographic Information System (GIS) aims to organize complex interrelation between different layers of information through a process of gathering, analysing, processing, storing, and presenting the spatial data and images available through different sources. It integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analysing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. This book presents theory, methods, and latest research finding for problem-solving and decision-making using GIS-based technologies.

A guide to image interpretation, this book contains detailed color plates and tables that compare satellite imaging systems, list remote sensing web sites, and detail photointerpretation equipment. It includes case histories of the search for petroleum and mineral deposits and examines engineering uses of remote sensing. The volume comprises four sections: project initiation; exploration techniques; exploitation and engineering remote sensing; and environmental concerns. They combine to provide readers with a solid foundation of what image interpretation is and enables them to recognize features of interest and effectively use imagery in projects for the petroleum, mining, or groundwater industries.

This informative book on the principles of geographic information systems (GIS) interweaves the idea of geographic inquiry and spatial discovery throughout. It provides a comprehensive and accessible look at GIS without burdening the reader with an imposing array of equations, algorithms, computer code and command structures.