Encyclopedia of Geographic Information Science--Review and Evaluation

Kemp, K.K. (2008). Encyclopedia of Geographic Information Science. Los Angeles: SAGE.

The Encyclopedia of Geographic Information Science is a single-volume text that provides a broad range of entries on topics throughout the geographic information science (GIS) field. Consequently, the scope of this work is quite broad. The entries within the Encyclopedia do not only provide a definition and understanding of the topic being covered, many also explain how the topic is situated within the GIS field, and how it relates to other topics also covered in the Encyclopedia. Thus, this work presents not only a broad understanding of the GIS field, but it also helps the reader to create a mental map of how ideas and terms fit together and interplay with each other. The end result is far more useful, and gives a greater sense of scope, than if each of the entries had been written in a vacuum.

This work is written in clear, simple language and is presented in text that is slightly larger than the standard for reference works. Moreover, many of the entries are accompanied by pictures and graphics that either serve as examples illustrating their respective topic, or help graphically explain what the author is driving at. Consequently, this piece is easy to understand, even for the user that has no background or experience with GIS. In many ways, it seems to be an introductory encyclopedia that is designed to acquaint the reader with GIS topics, and it may not be as useful for a GIS professional seeking to deepen their knowledge of the field.

The timeliness of this work is acceptable, as it is only six years old, but with how rapidly tech is changing, it can no longer be considered as the cutting edge of GIS. Some of the entries mention technology that is already out of date, or that has changed significantly in the last six years. However, in spite of this, the basic workings of GPS systems and their applications have not changed too much in the last half decade. So although some of the material may feel a bit dated to the reader, the work still presents information on subjects and practices that are of current value.

The authority of the Encyclopedia is quite sound. The work is lead and edited by Karen Kemp, who holds a Ph. D in geography, and has sat on several academic counsels in the fields of GIS and geography. In addition to her academic credentials, Kemp also has extensive experience in the field working with GIS over the last thirty years (Kemp 2008, pg. xv). Thus, she is quite qualified to oversee the creation and editing of this Encyclopedia because she has not only the theoretical, but also the practical knowledge of the field. The contributors of the entries themselves are all from respected, accredited academic institutions and government agencies from around the world (Kemp 2008, pgs. xvii-xxii). Thus, this work was not only edited and established with good authority, each of the entries are also provided by individuals that are qualified to present information in the field of GIS.  This lends a great deal of authority to the Encyclopedia.

The documentation of this work is also sound. Each of the entries contains suggestions for further reading and research. These readings are from respected institutions, websites, and publishers, which further backs up the quality of the information contained within this encyclopedia. There are only two real weaknesses to the suggested readings and references. The first is that they are out of date, and suffer from the same timeliness issues as the Encyclopedia at large. The other is that there is no general bibliography that would allow the reader to extensively examine the articles, books, and research that went into the creation of each individual entry. That being said, neither of these weaknesses is great enough to impinge the overall excellent documentation of this work.

Finally, this work is quite objective. GIS as a discipline tends to be a field that is based on factual research and the manipulation of data, so it does not lend itself to a heavy bias as could be found in a history or sociology text. Furthermore, any bias that could come from having a team of contributors that failed to represent a global perspective is resolved in this work. The entries are contributed by individuals from several continents and backgrounds, thus solidifying its objectivity.