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- Info
Principles of geographic information systems for land resources assessment
| Author: |
Burrough, P.A. |
| Date: |
1986 |
| Periodical: |
Oxford: Clarendon Press |
| Abstract: |
This book describes and explains the principles of geographical information systems that are important for most applications in environmental and natural resource inventory and analysis. It describes the major components of geographical information systems, including raster and vector data structures, modules for data input, verification, storage, and output, digital terrain models, methods of spatial analysis and modeling, and methods of classification and interpolation. Besides discussing the latest developments in these fields, there is also a critical review of the sources and propagation of error in geographical information processing, a subject that has received less than its due share of attention. The material presented here is based on material developed for courses for undergraduates and postgraduates at the Agricultural University, Wageningen, and more recently at the Geographical Institute, Utrecht University. It also includes experience and material gathered while I was working on the development of geographical information systems at the Netherlands Soil Survey Institute. Although the text makes reference to many results derived by using geographical information systems, this book is not intended to be a review of current applications, but rather an explanation of the principles behind many systems now in common use. The literature on geographical information systems is vast and is spread over a large number of journals representative of many disciplines. There is also a huge `grey' literature of conference papers, internal reports, and theses. I have selected what I have found to be the most useful sources for the material presented in this book, and have taken from them only the essentials. The extensive bibliography should provide readers with the means to follow any particular topic further, should they desire. Although technical principles are important, it is also essential that if geographical information systems are to be properly used then they must be properly accommodated in the organization in which they are to be used. Although the costs of computer hardware are falling steadily in relation to the power of the systems available, computer software remains a considerable investment. It is essential that the software and hardware are properly matched to an organization's needs, and the last chapter attempts to provide some guidelines about how a geographical information system can best be chosen. This chapter will undoubtedly date quickly as technology advances, but it is hoped that the principles discussed will remain valid for some time.
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