This AUTHORitative and widely adopted book is an up-to-date introduction to the world of Geographical Information Systems. It is an approachable and readable text for students at all levels, from undergraduates to professionals retraining in GIS.The book focuses on the practical applications of GIS, and considers how the technology works. Each chapter addresses a specific theme and is backed up with examples, case studies, revision questions, directed reading and additional resources on a companion website. The book can be used to give the reader a quick tour through the world of GIS, to help the reader develop a thorough understanding of GIS or as a source of reference information. The second EDITION includes important updates and offers expanded explanations of key concepts and issues. Up-to-date issues and recent developments including new data sources, census data, georeferencing, mobile and Internet GIS, and participatory GIS are all covered in more detail. The website has also been substantially updated. Key features bull; bull; bull;supplementary material, including data, teaching resources, additional readings and web addresses are available at www.booksites.net/heywood bull;extensive use of case studies to illustrate key concepts and issues bull;boxes containing further information provide in-DEPTH coverage of specific topics and case studies bull;revision questions at the END of each chapter test understanding of key concepts and issues bull;recommENDed reading and suggestions for further study with each chapter bull;glossary, index and suggestions for further study to help the reader to find all the information needed to get to grips with the subject "The text is highly readable, with concepts and processes exposed through three primary case studies. But perhaps more appealing is the bold inclusion of self-contained expositions that highlight key concepts and applications". Ken Denike, University of British Columbia"... illustrated with clear and well-labelled illustrations - essential to an introductory text" Martin Charlton, University of Newcastle "Topics are covered with enough DEPTH so that the book will also be beneficial to longer-term users. The writing style, graphics and case studies are presented in a simple and easy to read format. The book could be used as a text for a course or read by anyone interested in learning the fundamentals behind GIS technology. Ann Johnson, ESRI Inc The AUTHORs Ian Heywood, previously Director of Open and Distance Learning for Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen and a Senior Lecturer in GIS at Manchester Metropolitan University, is currently Director of Learning for UK BusinessLab Ltd. Sarah Cornelius is a trainer, consultant and AUTHOR in the fields of GIS and eLearning and an Associate Lecturer at the Open University. Steve Carver is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the University of Leeds. He is Director of the MA in GIS and MSc in GIS.