This accessible text prepares students to understand and work with geographic information systems (GIS), offering a detailed introduction to essential theories, concepts, and skills. The book is organized in four modular parts that can be used in any sequence in entry-level and more specialized courses. Basic cartographic principles are integrated with up-to-date discussions of GIS technologies and applications. Coverage includes everything from what geographic information is to its many uses and societal implications. Practical examples and exercises invite readers to explore the choices involved in producing reliable maps and other forms of geographic information. Illustrations include 170 figures (with 15 in color). The companion website provides links to Web resources for each chapter, plus downloadable PowerPoint slides of most of the figures.

New to This Edition

• Chapter on online mapping and Big Data.
• New and updated discussions of remote sensing, vector and raster data models, location privacy, uses of geocoding, and other timely topics.
• Chapter on the many uses of GIS, such as in market analyses, emergency responding, and tracking of epidemics.
• Section overviews and an end-of-book glossary.

Pedagogical Features

• Modules and individual chapters can be used sequentially or in any order.
• End-of-chapter review questions with answers, exercises, and extended exercises for applying theories and concepts.
• “In-Depth” sidebars offering a closer look at key concepts and applications.
• End-of-chapter links to relevant Web resources.