Esri Press is proud to announce the publication of Thinking About GIS: Geographic Information System Planning for Managers, authored by the eminent GIS pioneer Dr. Roger Tomlinson. Packed with planning wisdom from the man who is commonly referred to as the "father of GIS," this book details a practical method for planning a GIS that has been proven successful over many years of use in public and private sector organizations.

Tomlinson's methodology and presentation, honed through the development of his successful GIS planning seminars offered worldwide, are targeted at people who have been charged with launching or implementing a geographic information system for their organization. This could be an organization that has historically used GIS--a local government, transportation authority, or forest management agency. Or it could be another type of organization--a retail Business, political party, or farm--that has only more recently begun to grasp the positive implications of geospatial computer programs.

Whatever the mission of the organization, or the intended scope of the initial GIS implementation, the positive news as communicated in this groundbreaking book is that the fundamental principles behind planning for a successful GIS are basically the same. They are based on the simple concept that you must first decide what you want from your GIS. Everything else comes from that.

Presented in a logical, step-by-step manner, Tomlinson's book walks readers through a process that will result in a working GIS planning document that can pass muster in the most demanding bureaucratic environment.

Readers will learn first how to look at the strategic purpose of their organization to ensure that the GIS will ultimately work toward serving some useful and important purpose. The need for active participation in the planning process and early identification of the desired information output is outlined, and a practical system for gathering feedback from the organization is revealed. The case for a formalized approach to needs assessment is made and effectively reinforced.

Data considerations are also explored thoroughly before the author turns to the work of actually specifying hardware, software, and networking that will prove appropriate for the desired results. The book also covers in detail such topics as system design, logical data models, and implementation planning. The last chapter in the book shows how to pull all of your GIS planning work into a cohesive and persuasive GIS planning document that will pave the way toward winning approval--and the ultimate success--of your project, regardless of the size or scope.

Thinking About GIS: Geographic Information System Planning for Managers (ISBN: 1-58948-070-8) is available in hardcover from www.esri.com/esripress or www.esri.com/shop or call 1-800-447-9778 to place an order. This book retails for $39.95 (U.S.).