Geomatics is one geoscience discipline that has seen major changes in the last decade. This book is a unique and in-depth survey of the field and covers all three strands of this rapidly developing field - applications, information technology and surveying.

Geomatics, the handling and processing of information and data about the Earth, is one geoscience discipline that has seen major changes in the last decade, as mapping and observation systems become ever more sensitive and sophisticated. This book is a unique and in-depth survey of the field, which has a central role to play in tackling a host of environmental issues faced by society. Covering all three strands of geomatics - applications, information technology and surveying - the chapters cover the history and background of the subject, the technology employed both to collect and disseminate data, and the varied applications to which geomatics can be put, including urban planning, assessment of biodiversity, disaster management and land administration. Relevant professionals, as well as students in a variety of disciplines such as geography and surveying, will find this book required reading.

This rapidly developing field uses increasingly complex and accurate systems. Today, technology enables us to capture geo-data in full 3D as well as to disseminate it via the Web at the speed of light. We are able to continuously image the world from space at resolutions of up to 50 cm. Airborne LiDAR (laser surveying) sensors can be combined with digital camera technology to produce geometrically correct images of the Earth's surface, while integrating these with large-scale topographic maps and terrestrial as well as aerial images to produce 3D cityscapes that computer users can explore from their desktops.

Comprehensive overview of the entire geomatics discipline, suited not only for professionals but also for knowledgeable individuals The theory is supported by a lot of facts, examples, vision and opinions Discussion of societal consequences of using geo-informatics technology in developing countries

Inhalt
Preface.- 1. Geo-information Technology What It Is, How It Was and Where It Is Heading.- 2. Earth Viewers.- 3. Understanding Earth-related Phenomena through Maps.- 4. Global Navigation Satellite Systems and Inertial Navigation.- 5. Mobile GIS and Location-based Services.- 6. Terrestrial Laser Scanning.- 7. Photogrammetry: Geometric Data from Imagery.- 8. Airborne Lidar.- 9. Earth Observation from Space.- 10. Modelling and Exchanging Geo-information.- 11. Quality of Geo-information.- 12. Applying Geo-information Technology.- 13. Census Taking.- 14. Risk and Disaster Management.- 15. Land Administration.- Index.