Spatial Mathematics

In this important work, Drs. Arlinghaus and Kerski fill an important need in the geospatial literature with their accessible introduction to spatial mathematics. ... this book frames concepts in a way that is accessible to new learners who may not have an advanced math background. This accessibility should not be confused with simplicity, however. In successive chapters, the authors build an intellectually challenging description of the math underlying geospatial analysis. Throughout, easy-to-follow activities help make the concepts clear and relevant. If we are to build a generation of spatial thinkers (and not just people trained in GIS and GPS), we need foundational understanding like this book supports. Highly recommended! -Bob Coulter, Missouri Botanical Garden Two ancient texts had a profound and lasting impact on the literate world. ... Now, in this book, additional insight for the mathematical solution of geographical tasks is provided. The pedagogical orientation is especially worthy of comment. -Waldo Tobler, Professor Emeritus of Geography, University of California at Santa Barbara If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a map is worth exponentially more. Underneath the colors of a modern electronic map is an enormous amount of math and science, from how to represent a three dimensional globe on a two dimensional surface to how to produce and represent color itself in a way to communicate meaning and make sense of complex data. This book is both all about the map and all about the math behind the map, using what has become ubiquitous on our smart phones and in our vehicles as a vehicle itself to teach complex math concepts in accessible ways. The book's use of modern, socially pressing issues as the basis of understanding spatial math further augments its goal to make complex concepts accessible, meaningful, and useful for students. -Marc Schlossberg, Professor of Planning, Public Policy & Management, University of Oregon Teaching mathematics can be tough but here is a book that is a gentle introduction to the mathematics of the spatial world through the medium of mapping. The use of QR codes to access additional map-based material is clever and innovative, and provides a nice link to the very technologies that this mathematics supports. -Michael Batty, University College London An excellent textbook mainstreaming geoinformation perspectives through mathematical education, Spatial Mathematics has a clearly developed theoretical approach with great exercises and practical hands-on activities. -Karl Donert, President, European Association of Geographers (EUROGEO) ... timely and welcome. The wealth of practical examples and the enthusiasm of its authors will fill an important niche in a mapping literature that often underplays the importance and relevance of mathematics. ... particularly refreshing to see the book begin with the mathematics of the Earth's curved surface, and deal only later with the complexities of flattening the Earth through the use of map projections. ... Google Earth did much to restructure our view of the Earth when it was released in 2005; this book will without doubt make another step in that direction. -Michael F. Goodchild, University of California, Santa Barbara ... sets the standard for explaining the relationship between mathematics, geography, and GIS technologies. ... A benchmark book for interdisciplinary teaching and learning. -Mark C. Hogrebe, Washington University in St. Louis