GIS in Land and Property Management

Book excerpt: Economists, geographers and surveyors are beginning to recognise the powerful tool which a Geographical Information System (GIS) offers in effective property management. It provides a means of managing land and property information digitally and in a geographical context, and allows for rapid access to information and a means of analyzing that information in a geographical context. GIS in Land and Property Management shows how to use GIS, both in principle and in practice. It introduces digital mapping and GIS, along with a brief history of the development of GIS and LIS, all with an emphasis on property. In presenting the spectrum of GIS applications in property management it gives a number of case studies from a variety of market sectors, and it analyzes the issues to provide guidance and a number of recommendations for the implementation of GIS. At the same time common themes and issues are drawn out to present a coherent message for students and practitioners. The book is useful for undergraduate and postgraduate students on land management, built environment, economics and geography courses, and for property professionals, in both public and private sectors, looking to GIS as a property management decision aid.