Modeling Our World -- ESRI Geodatabase Design Guide

Author: Cai Le
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: A geographic data model is a digital framework used to describe the location and characteristics of real-world objects. In geographic information systems (GIS), we can view these models as a set of lenses through which we observe, interpret, and analyze the infinitely complex natural and artificial environments. By utilizing the new geographic data model, the geodatabase introduced in ArcGIS 8, we can significantly expand the breadth and depth of modeling geographic reality within a database environment. This book serves as a comprehensive guide and reference for GIS data modeling, particularly for the geodatabase data model. It demonstrates how to make correct decisions regarding the modeling of geographic data, covering almost every aspect of GIS engineering projects, including database design, data acquisition, spatial analysis, and visual representation. In this book, you will learn:
Designing a geographic database suitable for engineering projects;
Customizing the database without writing code;
Managing workflows in complex engineering projects;
Modeling linear systems such as rivers, roads, and power lines;
Integrating satellite imagery for geographic analysis and expression;
Creating three-dimensional GIS data models.
This book is illustrated with hundreds of full-color maps and images to serve a broader audience. Whether you are an experienced GIS user or a beginner learning to use the software, you will find this book an essential read on the path to GIS success. It explains the general methods of geographic data modeling, serving as a comprehensive guide to GIS geographic data modeling, covering multiple aspects such as database design, data acquisition, spatial analysis, and visual representation. It also introduces the design and implementation of geographic databases using geodatabase as an example. The book is divided into 12 chapters, primarily addressing five key questions: How to design a suitable geographic database, how to customize the database without writing code, how to manage workflows in complex engineering projects, how to model various linear systems such as rivers, roads, and power lines, how to integrate satellite imagery for geographic analysis and expression, and how to create three-dimensional GIS data models using TIN.
The book is richly illustrated with hundreds of exquisite maps and images, making it visually engaging and easy to understand. It can be used as a textbook for senior undergraduate and graduate students in geographic information systems (GIS) and related disciplines, as well as a reference for GIS engineering professionals.