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Introduction to Mathematical Techniques used in GIS

By Peter Dale

Published October 14th 2004 by CRC Press – 224 pages

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Description

To understand the output from a geographic information system, one must understand the quality of the data that is entered into the system, the algorithms driving the data processing, and the limitations of the graphic displays.

Introduction to Mathematical Techniques Used in GIS explains to nonmathematicians the fundamentals that support the manipulation and display of geographic information. It focuses on basic mathematical techniques, building upon a series of steps that enable a deeper understanding of the complex forms of manipulation that arise in the handling of spatially related data.

The book moves rapidly through a wide range of data transformations, outlining the techniques involved. Many are precise, building logically on underlying assumptions. Others are based upon statistical analysis and the pursuit of the optimum rather than the perfect and definite solution.

By understanding the mathematics behind the gathering, processing, and display of information, GIS professionals can advise others on the integrity of results, the quality of the information, and the safety of using it.

Reviews

"This book provides a good introduction to basic and fundamental mathematics normally assumed in GIS operations and the analysis of the results…the presentation is clear and easy to follow with numerous numerical examples. The key material is often summarized in boxes for use independently of a continuous reading of the text…this small book can be very useful as a text or reference in continuing education, especially for non-technical personnel. For self-study, problems and exercises from other references can be used to supplement this text."

-Geomatica, Vol. 59. No. 2, 2005

Contents

CHARACTERISTICS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Geographic Information and Data

Categories of Data

Spatial Referencing

Lines and Shapes

NUMBERS AND NUMERICAL ANALYSIS

The Rules of Arithmetic

The Binary System

Square Roots

Indices and Logarithms

ALGEBRA-TREATING NUMBERS AS SYMBOLS

The Theorem of Pythagoras

The Equations for Intersecting Lines

Points in Polygons

The Equation for a Plane

Further Algebraic Equations

Functions and Graphs

Interpolating Intermediate Values

THE GEOMETRY OF COMMON SHAPES

Triangles and Circles

Areas of Triangles

Centres of a Triangle

Polygons

The Sphere and the Ellipse

Sections of a Cone

PLANE AND SPHERICAL TRIGONOMETRY

Basic Trigonometric Functions

Obtuse Angles

Combined Angles

Bearings and Distances

Angles on a Sphere

DIFFERENTIAL AND INTEGRAL CALCULUS

The Basis of Differentiation

Differentiating Trigonometric Functions

Polynomial Functions

Basic Integration

Areas and Volumes

MATRICES, DETERMINANTS AND VECTORS

Basic Matrix Operations

Determinants

Related Matrices

Applying Matrices

Rotations and Translations

Simplifying Matrices

Vectors

CURVES AND SURFACES

Parametric Forms

The Ellipse

The Radius of Curvature

Fitting Curves to Points

The Bezier Curve

TRANSFORMATIONS

Homogeneous Coordinates

Rotating an Object

Hidden Lines and Surfaces

Map Projections

Cylindrical Projections

Azimuthal Projections

Conical Projections

BASIC STATISTICS

Probabilities

Measures of Central Tendency

The Normal Distribution

Levels of Significance

The t-Test

Analysis of Variance

The Chi-Squared Test

The Poisson Distribution

BEST-FIT SOLUTIONS

Correlation

Regression

Weights

Linearization

Least Square Solutions

Name: Introduction to Mathematical Techniques used in GIS (Hardback)CRC Press 
Description: By Peter Dale. To understand the output from a geographic information system, one must understand the quality of the data that is entered into the system, the algorithms driving the data processing, and the limitations of the graphic displays. Introduction to...
Categories: Statistical & Mathematical Analysis (Geography)