For those who may not know, GIS is an acronym for Geographic(al) Information System; GIS publications are useful to many people in different industries. The US Geological Survey (USGS) defines GIS as a computer system that captures, stores, analyzes, and displays geographically referenced information identified and defined by location. You can find GIS content geared to specific professional fields in some of these types of trade-specific publications, including GIS books and GIS articles:

1. Publications with articles on GIS that affect cartography and geography.
2. Publications with GIS articles that affect urban planning and architecture.
3. Publications with articles on GIS that affect environment impact engineering.
4. Publications with articles on GIS that affect search and rescue, and criminology.
5. Publications with GIS articles that affect business asset management.
6. Publications with articles on GIS that affect resource management.
7. Publications with articles on GIS that affect geology.
8. Publications with articles on GIS that affect archaeology.
9. Publications with articles on GIS that affect computer database administration.
10. Publications with articles on GIS that affect business project management.

Some scholars have even said that almost all human activities and decisions include a geographic element, that is, a time and a location.

As with all important emerging technology fields, GIS affects and will continue to impact a wide variety of professions. Because of this importance, a wide variety of publications also focus on GIS as a study or application:

1. US or global government-sponsored publications.
2. GIS professionals trade publications.
3. University-sponsored GIS books, journals, and papers.
4. Independent GIS magazines and other publications aimed at the general public or for readers with an interest in GIS technology.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore US government agency-sponsored GIS publications

The US Geological Survey and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) are the primary government agencies sponsoring a variety of GIS publications, such as white papers, pamphlets, articles, and magazines

I recommend: The US Geological Survey publishes white papers, investigation and scientific reports, geological maps, and educational publications covering GIS topics. Many of these publications can be bought at the USGS Store (if necessary, click on the "log on" button). NASA publishes much GIS content through its publication divisions, such as ASTER Publications.

Explore GIS business publications sponsored by organizations of GIS professionals

GIS business publications may include trade magazines, white papers, and industry reports

I recommend: Founded in 1904, the Association of American Geographers (AAG) publishes The Professional Geographer magazine, as well as a variety of books and papers. The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) publishes the Geospatial Technology Report and provides resource links at its Geospatial industry and publications websites. Earth Observation Magazine is a leading trade GIS magazine aimed at GIS professionals.

Explore university-sponsored GIS publications

These publications may include GIS journals, GIS articles, scholarly GIS books, and academic treatises.

I recommend: San Diego State University posts a list of university publications and websites with a scholarly and educator focus on GIS. Colorado University posts a long list of scholarly journals with a focus on geography. The Climate & Vegetation Research Group at Boston University also publishes GIS journals and reports.

Explore independent publications publishing GIS-specific information

Independent GIS publications may include journals, magazines, blogs, and newsletters.

I recommend: National Geographic is the best known of all independent publications that include GIS-specific information. It also offers an extensive list of GIS-focused websites. GEO Informatics is a GIS world magazine with a European perspective. Its GIS website list is one of the most extensive GIS resources online. Geospatial Solutions, a service of Questex Media Group, Inc., publishes e-newsletters on GIS topics. Planet Geospatial is an online aggregator of blogs with a focus on GIS.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As seen in GIS publications, this technology may allow researchers to safely study the habitat of sensitive creature species.
• •  GIS technology may also help researchers determine land development's effects on the environment.