Basic GIS Coordinates

Book excerpt: Computers tend to be very good at repetition and very bad at interpretation. People, on the other hand, are poor at repetition, because we can get bored or distracted. We are, however, excellent at interpretation, if we have the proper information. Basic GIS Coordinates is about providing some of the critical information needed to understand coordinate systems and effectively interpret GIS technology. GIS is emerging in all facets of business and government at an incredible rate; GIS and mapping professionals must have a clear understanding of coordinate systems. Basic GIS Coordinates explains how coordinates tie the real world to its electronic image in the computer. It is about understanding how these systems work, and how they sometimes don't work. It examines how points that are expected to be in one location are in reality somewhere completely different, even when the computer has done everything exactly as it was told. Basic GIS Coordinates explains the progression of ideas that are the foundation of coordinate systems without overwhelming you with supporting mathematics. It is a user-friendly study for those who need to apply GIS technology and resulting coordinates. From the basics of coordinate systems to specific practical examples, this book covers GIS coordinates without pages of complicated math; yet it is not oversimplified. This volume analyzes state plane coordinates, UTM coordinates, and the rectangular system in a concise format. To help you apply the information, each chapter concludes with review questions and answers.