Beyond Mapping: Concepts, Algorithms and Issues in GIS

   by Joseph K. Berry (1993, John Wiley Publishers)

available for purchase online from Wiley.com and Amazon.com (about $95) 

 

     <click here> for printer-friendly version (.pdf) ; posted online line at www.innovativegis.com/basis/Books/bm_des.htm

 

Most desktop mapping and GIS applications have focused on mapping and spatial data management for viewing and geo-query of mapped data.  Map analysis and GIS modeling involve entirely new spatial reasoning concepts and procedures that are not reflected in our paper map legacy.  This book and its companion book, Spatial Reasoning for Effective GIS (Berry, 1995), are based on Joe Berry’s popular "Beyond Mapping" columns in GIS World magazine and, discusses the new breed of map analysis tools and how they can be used to better characterize and communicate spatial relationships.  Both books are written for GIS professionals, as well as novices, in a witty style that entertains as well as informs. 

 

Beyond Mapping explores the basic concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and discusses the issues involved as GIS moves from the researcher to the general user.  The emerging technology goes beyond traditional mapping and spatial data management to new concepts and procedures for modeling the complex interrelationships among spatial data of all kinds.  Beyond Mapping is designed so the general user can read about broad issues and then delve into more detail, even at the algorithm level.  

 

The book also contains an extensive resource appendix and a stimulating discussion of “The Ten Most Beautiful Formulae in GIS,” by Nigel Waters.

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The MapCalc software by BASIS provides hands-on exercises supporting the topics in this book.  Professional and Developer versions of the software are in development.  The Educational version, MapCalc Learner and support materials are available for free download from www.innovativegis.com, see “Software” item.

 

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-         MapCalc Learner with MapCalc and Surfer* tutorial systems, exercises/databases, and application examples; constrained 100 x 100 analysis frame; licensed for educational use.  Free download.

 

-         Instructor Materials containing lecture PowerPoint’s, additional exercises and exam questions/answers; multiple seat license for single computer lab; educational use only; two CD set; US$45.00 plus shipping and handling.

 

*Surfer is a popular surface modeling and 3D display package by Golden Software, Inc.  It is bundled with the educational version of MapCalc and provides complementary exercises.  For more information on Surfer, link to  http://www.goldensoftware.com/frames/surferframe.htm

 

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Beyond Mapping: Concepts, Algorithms and Issues in GIS

 

This is a collection of Joe Berry’s popular "Beyond mapping" columns published in GeoWorld from 1989 to 1993.  In this compilation, Berry explores the concepts of geographic information systems (GIS) technology and discusses the issues involved as GIS moves from the researcher to the general user.   This emerging technology goes beyond traditional mapping and spatial database management to new concepts and procedures for modeling the complex interrelations among spatial data of all kinds.  Beyond Mapping is designed so the general user can read about broad issues then delve into more detail, even to the algorithm level.   The material presented in Beyond Mapping is cross-referenced to the companion GIS Concepts Digital Slide Shows (gCON) and Tutorial Map Analysis Package (tMAP) software.  The gCON system is designed for self-learning map analysis concepts through slide sets demonstrating GIS procedures and applications.  The tMAP software program is designed for self-learning map analysis concepts through "hands-on" experience.

Note: The original gCON Digital Slides Shows have been replaced by the online MapCalc Description and Examples document and the tMAP software has been replaced by the MapCalc Learner software (free download at www.innovativegis.com, under “Software”).

 

·        Introduction There are some similarities, but many differences, between traditional and GIS maps. This section describes the conceptual differences and terminology used in vector and raster map formats and an overall organizational structure for GIS databases.

 

The Spatial Reasoning for Effective GIS book can be purchased online from Wiley.com and Amazon.com.

For more information about the Spatial Reasoning book and supporting materials, contact:


 Berry & Associates // Spatial Information Systems (BASIS), Fort Collins, Colorado

 Website www.innovativegis.com Email jberry@innovativegis.com.