ABSTRACT
This book is intended to provide a general introduction to the field of geographic information systems (GIS). More specifically, it is aimed at those who have a particular interest in the socioeconomic environment. In the following chapters, the reader will find an explanation of GIS technology, its theory and its applications, which makes specific reference to data on populations and their characteristics. The aim is not to provide detailed analysis of fields such as database management systems or computer graphics, which may be found elsewhere, but to introduce GIS within a strong framework of socioeconomic applications. As will be seen, many early GIS applications related primarily to the physical environment, both natural and built. Much writing on the subject reflects these themes, and is unhelpful to the geographer or planner whose interest lies in the growing use of GIS for population-related information. The unique issues raised by these new developments form the specific focus of this text. This introduction sets the scene, both in terms of GIS and of the socioeconomic environment. Some concepts appearing here with which the reader may be unfamiliar will be addressed in more detail as they are encountered in the text.
