Books on Map Analysis and GIS Modeling
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. These books, based on Joe Berry’s popular "Beyond Mapping" columns in GIS World magazine, discuss the new breed of map analysis tools and how they can be used to better characterize and communicate spatial relationships. Beyond Mapping: Concepts, Algorithms and Issues in GIS (Berry, 1993), is written for GIS professionals, as well as novices, in a witty style that entertains as well as informs. It explores the basic concepts of map analysis and discusses emerging issues as GIS moves from the realm of research to widespread applications. The book is structured so the reader first can examine the broad issues and then delve into more detail.
Spatial Reasoning for Effective GIS (Berry, 1995) continues with the same format, style and informative discussions. It is an incisive book describing the expansion of geographic technology from maps that simply tell us "Where is what" to systems that help us decide "So what?" It encourages new understanding of mapped data, data analysis procedures and map uses, fostering an appreciation of GIS as an effective analytical tool. Thousands of professionals and over a hundred universities use the books to bridge the gap from simply GISing to map analysis and modeling.
Descriptions of these two books...
There are two software systems supporting the material presented in the Beyond Mapping and Spatial Reasoning books — a set of "digital slide shows" demonstrating GIS concepts and a set of "hands-on" tutorials providing practical experience. The GIS Concepts Digital Slide Shows (gCON) provide a thorough graphic explanation of many of the concepts described in both books. The Tutorial Map Analysis Package (tMAP) is an easy way to get your hands on GIS technology and gain experience in the application of map analysis concepts. The slide shows and tutorials are cross referenced to the topics contained in both books (online documentation with the software or the Appendix in the books). The Academic Map Analysis Package (aMAP) supports college-level instruction in map analysis and GIS modeling concepts and contains specially designed instructor materials and multi-user licenses for both the tMAP and gCON software.
Note: the tMAP and aMAP software has been enhanced and updated for Windows/NT; available as MapCalc Learner for students and MapCalc Academic for instructors from Red Hen Systems (http://www.redhensystems.com/mapcalc/index.html)
5/01
The Beyond Mapping and Spatial Reasoning books are available from John Wiley (http://www.wiley.com/ordering/howto.html)
The MapCalc software is available from Red Hen Systems (http://www.redhensystems.com/mapcalc/index.html)