Open Source GIS: A GRASS GIS Approach (Second Edition)
"Open Source GIS: A GRASS GIS Approach (Second Edition)" is a comprehensive guidebook by Markus Neteler and Helena Mitasova. The book explores the concepts and practical applications of open-source software in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with a particular focus on GRASS GIS.
The book begins by introducing the concept of open-source software and its relevance to GIS. It discusses the benefits and principles of open source, highlighting GRASS GIS as a prominent example of open-source GIS software. The authors provide guidance on how to approach and navigate the content of the book effectively.
The second section delves into fundamental GIS concepts. It covers geospatial data models, the organization of GIS data, and the functionality of GIS systems. Additionally, it explores map projections and coordinates systems, including principles of map projections, common coordinate systems, and specific datums used in North America and Europe.
The subsequent section guides readers through getting started with GRASS GIS. It offers step-by-step instructions on downloading, installing, and setting up GRASS GIS. The authors explain the GRASS's database and command structure and demonstrate using the Spearfish dataset. They also discuss various coordinate systems and transformations, including latitude-longitude, Universal Transverse Mercator, state plane, and non-georeferenced xy coordinate systems.
The book then delves into different data models and data exchanges in GRASS GIS. It explains the raster data model, manages raster map resolution and boundaries, importing georeferenced raster data, imports scanned maps, and exports raster data. Similarly, it covers the vector data model, the import and export of vector data, and the sites data model with its import and export procedures.
The authors explore various techniques for working with raster data in GRASS GIS. They discuss viewing and managing raster map layers, reclassification of raster maps, raster map algebra, data transformation, and interpolation, and spatial analysis using raster data. They also delve into working with vector data, covering digitizing, metadata and attributes management, viewing and analysis, and vector data transformations to and from raster and sites.
The book further explores working with site data in GRASS GIS. It covers creating site data through digitization and generation, viewing and managing site data, and transforming site data to rasters, and performing spatial interpolation.
In the later chapters, the authors delve into graphical output and visualization in GRASS GIS. They explain two-dimensional display and animation techniques, visualization in 3D space using NVIZ, and creating hardcopy maps using ps. map and other design tools.
The book also includes chapters on satellite image processing, aerial photo processing, GRASS programming, and using GRASS in real-world applications. It explores topics such as remote sensing basics, satellite data import and export, image preprocessing, radiometric transformations, feature analysis, image fusion, thematic reclassification, aerial photogrammetry, and programming GRASS modules.
The book concludes with a discussion on using GRASS GIS with other open-source tools, including geostatistics with gstat, spatial data analysis with R, GPS data handling, and WebGIS applications with UMN/MapServer.
Overall, "Open Source GIS: A GRASS GIS Approach (Second Edition)" serves as a comprehensive reference for individuals interested in utilizing open-source GIS software, specifically GRASS GIS, for various geospatial analysis tasks. It provides detailed explanations, practical examples, and step-by-step instructions to help readers effectively utilize the capabilities of GRASS GIS in their work.
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