If you are a student passionate about natural sciences, then you have surely heard about GIS. It stands for geographic information system and it helps scientists and researchers from fields related to natural science map different characteristics of the planet. These maps help oceanographers, environmental scientists, meteorologists, or climate scientists understand how the vegetation, water, or wildlife is distributed across the Earth.
Moreover, GIS data helps researchers predict hazards and propose solutions for sustainable development. GIS is essential to natural science and it helps humanity protect the natural world. This is why many students are looking to improve their GIS-related knowledge. Besides the wide availability of many online courses, many books are focused on different GIS factors that could help you improve your skills.
GIS Exercises for Natural Resource Management by Dr. Christopher Post
Now there is the fifth edition of this book available on the market. It is written and developed by Dr. Cristopher Post at Clemson University. It promises to offer introductory exercises as well as how to complete all of them in the laboratory. The techniques scientists use are essential because they protect the robustness and validity of the gathered data. However, data is available only via email, which makes the book more difficult to understand. Moreover, it is addressed to a category of natural scientists that already have some knowledge on the subject. If you get access to all the data, it will be one of the best books on GIS you have come across.
Getting to Know Web GIS by Pinde Fu
If you want to study gis, then you should know that web GIS is the future of this technology. As there are more and more software products that appear on the market, developers are looking for ways to making them easier to use. Getting to know web GIS is an essential book for those who want to learn more about this technology. If you are looking forward to reading literature for students, there is a digital collection of study resources and paper samples available to students.
GIS Fundamentals by Paul Bolstad
The sixth edition is available out there for any beginner or student that wants to learn more about GIS. This book is different from the other ones as it presents an introduction to GIS fundamentals. One of the things that many entry-level enthusiasts lack is the experience in the field. Well, this book promises to offer you the most helpful theoretical and practical information you need to develop more. By reading this book you will learn more about topology, data models, terrain analysis, and many more.
An Introduction to Using GIS In Marine Biology by Colin MacLeod
GIS data is used in all fields that are connected to natural sciences, and marine biology is one of them. As climate change is bringing a toll on the environment and the health of the planet, its effects begin to be visible. One of the most pressing issues is the warming of the oceans. Hotter temperatures also cause the dwindling of glaciers and the melting of the permafrost. Corals are bleaching and different fish species have a difficult time adapting so quickly to so drastic changes.
This book offers information about how to use GIS in marine biology in a user-friendly way. The book is divided into three parts. The first one offers you background information on GIS and its usage. The second one is stuffed with more practical information that will actually help you use GIS in your marine biology practice. And the last one presents further research, studies, and data on the subject.
GIS for Biologists by Colin MacLeod
Colin MacLeod has a lot of experience in working with GIS and his books are one of the most helpful for students or people that want to develop their knowledge in the field. GIS for Biologists is a book that is divided into two parts, similar to the structure of the previous book. The first part offers information about GIS and common concepts or usage in biology.
The second part is focused on more practical information. The author proposes six GIS exercises that will help any novice learn more about how to create a map or add different layers in GIS. The domain of biology is a wide one, so Colin chooses to focus his exercises on different environments. For example, while some are focused on rainforests, others focus on marine biology. This book is addressed to undergraduates and aims to offer them the basis for working with GIS.
Essential Earth Imaging for GIS by Lawrence Fox III
Lawrence Fox III is a well-known professor who has worked his entire life with sensors and GIS. he has written this book to offer practical and essential information on how to interpret data from the sensors, point clouds, or other types of visualization imagery created by GIS.
It is one of the best books for students or entry-level professionals that want to expand their knowledge more on the subject.
Final Words
Each of the books comes with unique and interesting information. Depending on how much knowledge you have on the subject, one or more of these books could meet your needs. GIS is a technology that will be developed tremendously in the future and that offers valuable insight into how the Earth is changing and evolving.
Author Bio: Judy Nelson is an investigative journalist and blogger. She is passionate about nature and wildlife and wants to protect them at all costs. Judy writes reports of illegal deforestation and poaching.