This Handbook is an essential reference and a guide to the rapidly expanding field of Geographic Information Science. Designed to suit those who want an in-depth treatment of the subject, it comprises over thirty substantial essays, each written by a recognized expert in a particular area.

The Handbook covers the full spectrum of research in the field. Contributors explore the major trends influencing the collection, organization, and dissemination of geographically referenced data sets, and review the defining characteristics of the database solutions used in GIS products. They consider the opportunities for using GIS to conduct spatial analysis, and examine the ways in which it has been used to advance cartographic modeling and visualization. Finally, they portray GIS at work, surveying its increasing number of applications.

The editors introduce the Handbook with an essential overview of the origins, history, and state of the art of Geographic Information Science, before providing brief summaries of the chapters that follow. They conclude the book with two final chapters setting out how Geographic Information Science is likely to evolve in the future.

Stephanie Wilson believes storytelling can save lives. Her MBA and over a decade of artistic training both help her live out that passion. Born in New Jersey, but raised in Florida, she lives to laugh and is a lover of animals. As a kid, Stephanie dreamed of being the first female president, but always added the disclaimer that if she couldn't make that happen, she just wanted her life to be a good story. In her eyes, she definitely got her wish. Stephanie resides in New York City's Upper West Side with her scruffy Puerto Rican street dog, Luna.