Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science (Second Edition)

Author: Zhang Chao, Yang Binggeng (editors)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1991-05-04
Features: This book, first published in 1984, was used in universities across China for six years. During this period, four teaching material evaluation and analysis conferences were held in Shanghai, Changchun, Xi'an, and other locations. Faculty and students provided positive feedback on the book while also offering numerous suggestions for improvement. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in quantitative geography both domestically and internationally. To meet the needs of current educational reforms and reflect the latest achievements in the field, it is necessary to revise and supplement the original book based on past teaching experiences. The teaching plan for China's four-year undergraduate geography programs in normal universities, formulated by the State Education Commission, has designated quantitative geography as a required course. This book has been revised according to the teaching syllabus for quantitative geography in geography programs of normal universities, approved by the State Education Commission's Committee for the Compilation and Review of Science and Geography Textbooks. In terms of content, it first introduces the processing of geographic data and the quantitative analysis of spatial forms (Chapters 2-4), then analyzes the spatial relationships (Chapters 5-6) and spatial structures (Chapters 7-8) of geographic phenomena, and finally presents geographic models related to human spatial activities (Chapter 9), thereby establishing a content system for quantitative geography with Chinese characteristics. During the revision process, to strengthen the training of fundamental theories and basic skills, reflect the latest scientific achievements, and facilitate teaching, each chapter has been appropriately expanded, reduced, adjusted, and revised. For example, in Chapter , emphasis is placed on the role of quantitative geography in serving production practices while strengthening theoretical research, integrating theoretical and methodological studies to establish a quantitative geography model with Chinese characteristics. Chapter 2 has been expanded to include content on geographic databases, reflecting the development direction of quantitative geography. Chapter 3 has been rewritten to address the more challenging aspects of network analysis in teaching. Chapters 4 and 5 have had the derivation of the binomial distribution formula and more complex content such as partial and multiple correlation analysis removed. Chapter 6 has been supplemented with formulas for solving and inverting equations. The content of Chapter 7 has been adjusted. Chapter 8 has been expanded to include practical examples of agricultural regionalization. Chapter 9 proposes using model systems to describe complex geographic systems, which holds significant importance in both theory and application for addressing macro-level strategic planning in economic development. The set of models introduced in this chapter is widely applicable and represents a continuation and development of the content in the preceding chapters, fully embodying the guiding principle of integrating geographic systems analysis throughout the book. To adhere to the principle of linking theory with practice, this book emphasizes the application of quantitative geography knowledge in China's four modernization construction practices, striving to cultivate students' abilities to analyze and solve problems. To enhance practical training and help students use computers to address geographic problems, we have also revised the book Fundamentals of Quantitative Geography Practical Exercises and Computing Programs, making it a companion to this book.