Maps, censuses and other sources of geographic and demographic information are common reference tools for historians, but integrated computer hardware and software systems designed for the preparation, presentation, and interpretation of such geographic and spatially-referenced data are rarely intended for use outside the Earth Sciences. This Guide to Good Practice is written for historians who want to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) as part of their research. It defines GIS and outlines how it can be used in historical research, describes how to create and get data into a GIS database, explains how GIS can be used for simple mapping and more advanced forms of visualisation, and discusses the various ways to analyse data within GIS. It includes case studies from a variety of historical projects that have used GIS and an extensive reading list of GIS texts relevant to historians. No prior knowledge of GIS has been assumed.

Geographic information systems (GIS) can be a powerful research tool for historians. Gregory (geography, U. of Portsmouth, UK) describes the creation of GIS databases and explains the operations and interpretation methods useful for analyzing geographic change over time. Distributed by the David Brown Book Company. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The Arts and Humanities Data Service (AHDS), funded by the UK government, has produced this series of Guides to Good Practice to provide the arts and humanities research and teaching communities with practical instruction in applying recognized standards and good practice to the creation, preservation and use of digital resources. Some of the Guides focus on methods and applications relevant to arts and humanities disciplines such as archaeology, history, linguistics, text studies and performing arts. Others address those areas which cross-disciplinary boundaries. All Guides identify and explore key issues and provide comprehensive pointers for those who need more specific information. As such they are essential reference material for anyone in interested in computer-assisted research and teaching in the arts and humanities.