AM/FM/GIS

Abstract: Geographical information systems (GIS) provide the decision-maker with a powerful set of tools for the manipulation and analysis of spatial information. The functionality of GIS is, however, limited to certain deterministic analyses in key application areas such as spatial search. The integration of multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) techniques with GIS is forwarded as providing the user with the means to evaluate various alternatives on the basis of multiple and conflicting criteria and objectives. An example application based on the search for suitable sites for the disposal of radioactive waste in the UK using the Arc/Info GIS is included. The potential use of a combined GIS-MCE approach in the development of spatial decision support systems is considered.

Abstract: The GIS software sector has developed rapidly over the last ten years. Open Source GIS applications are gaining relevant market shares in academia, business, and public administration. In this paper, we illustrate the history and features of a key Open Source GIS, the Geographical Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS). GRASS has been under development for more than 28 years, has strong ties into academia, and its review mechanisms led to the integration of well tested and documented algorithms into a joint GIS suite which has been used regularly for environmental modelling. The development is community-based with developers distributed globally. Through the use of an online source code repository, mailing lists and a Wiki, users and developers communicate in order to review existing code and develop new methods. In this paper, we provide a functionality overview of the more than 400 modules available in the latest stable GRASS software release. This new release runs natively on common operating systems (MS-Windows, GNU/Linux, Mac OSX), giving basic and advanced functionality to casual and expert users. In the second part, we review selected publications with a focus on environmental modelling to illustrate the wealth of use cases for this open and free GIS.

Abstract: PRINCIPLES. Space and Time in GIS. Data Quality. Spatial Analysis. TECHNICAL ISSUES. GIS Architecture Issues. Spatial Databases. Technical Aspects of GIS Data Collection. Data Transformation and Linkage. MANAGEMENT ISSUES. Making the GIS Efficient, Effective, and Safe to Use. Data as a Management Issue. GIS as a Management Tool. The Impact of Broad Societal Issues on GIS. APPLICATIONS. Operational Applications. Social and Environmental Applications. Epilogue. Consolidated Bibliography. Appendix. Indexes.

Abstract: 1. What is GIS? 2. Concepts of Space 3. The Evolution of Computer Methods for the Handling of Spatial Data 4. Modelling Systems Thinking and GIS 5. Spatial Data Models 6. Attribute Data Management 7. Data Encoding and Manipulation 8. Data Analysis 9. Data Output 10. Data Quality Issues 11. Organisational Issues 12. Project Design

Abstract: Foreword. Preface. Acknowledgments. GIS, Internet GIS and Distributed GIServices. Networking Fundamentals of Internet GIS. Client/Server Computing and Distributed-Component Framework. Technology Evolutions of Web Mapping. Framework of Distributed Geographic Information Services. Standards for Distributed GIServices. Geographic Markup Language. Commercial Web Mapping Programs. Mobile GIS. Quality of Service and Security Issues in Distributed GIS. Distributed GIS in Data Warehousing and Data Sharing. Internet GIS Applications in Intelligent Transportation Systems. Internet GIS Appplications in Planning and Resource Management. Conclusions and Epilogue. Acronyms. Index.