Discusses geospatial info. (GI), which is data referenced to a place -- a set of geographic coordinates -- which can be gathered, manipulated, and displayed in real time. A Geographic Info. System is a computer system capable of capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced info. In 1990 the Fed. Geographic Data Comm. (FGDC) was estab. to promote the use, sharing, and dissemination of GI. There are questions about FGDC fulfilling its mission. Has this organizational structure worked? Can the fed. gov¿t. account for the costs of acquiring, coordinating, and managing GI? How well is the fed. gov¿t. coordinating with the state and local entities that have an increasing stake in GI? What is the role of the private sector?

The report discusses issues that may be of interest to Congress-managing, sharing, and coordinating geospatial information-and includes examples of legislation. The report also summarizes a diverse set of recommendations and proposals from different non-governmental organizations for how to improve the coordination and management of geospatial information at the federal and state levels.

Geographic information systems (GIS)--a central repository of geographic data collected from various sources, including satellites and GPS--is emerging as one of the most intriguing and promising high-tech fields. This easy-to-understand resource provides technical and nontechnical professionals, regardless of their background, with an accessible and practical guide to important GIS know-how.

An integrated approach that combines essential GIS background with a practical workbook on applying the principles in ArcGIS 10.0 and 10.1 Introducing Geographic Information Systems with ArcGISintegrates a broad introduction to GIS with a software-specific workbook for Esri's ArcGIS. Where most courses make do using two separate texts, one covering GIS and another the software, this book enables students and instructors to use a single text with an integrated approach covering both in one volume with a common vocabulary and instructional style. This revised edition focuses on the latest software updates—ArcGIS 10.0 and 10.1. In addition to its already successful coverage, the book allows students to experience publishing maps on the Internet through new exercises, and introduces the idea of programming in the language Esri has chosen for applications (i.e., Python). A DVD is packaged with the book, as in prior editions, containing data for working out all of the exercises. This complete, user-friendly coursebook: Is updated for the latest ArcGIS releases—ArcGIS 10.0 and 10.1 Introduces the central concepts of GIS and topics needed to understand spatial information analysis Provides a considerable ability to operate important tools in ArcGIS Demonstrates new capabilities of ArcGIS 10.0 and 10.1 Provides a basis for the advanced study of GIS and the study of the newly emerging field of GIScience Introducing Geographic Information Systems with ArcGIS, Third Edition is the ideal guide for undergraduate students taking courses such as Introduction to GIS, Fundamentals of GIS, and Introduction to ArcGIS Desktop. It is also an important guide for professionals looking to update their skills for ArcGIS 10.0 and 10.1.

This book shows how Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) can be used for operations management in public institutions. It covers theory and practical applications, ranging from tracking public health trends to mapping transportation routes to charting the safest handling of hazardous materials. Along with an expert line-up of contributors and case studies, the editor provides a complete overview of how to use GIS as part of a successful, collaborative data analysis, and how to translate the information into cost-saving decisions, or even life-saving ones.

Earth observation systems, by use of space science and technology advances, present a large-scale opportunity for applying remote sensing methods with geographical information system (GIS) developments. Integrating these two methods makes it possible to achieve high-accuracy satellite data processing. This book considers aspects of GIS technology applications with space science technology and innovation approaches. It examines the potential of Earth observation satellite systems as well as existing challenges and problems in the field. Chapters cover topics such as RGB-D sensors for autonomous pothole detection, machine learning in GIS, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) modeling, and others.