ESRI Press Books: Implemementing GIS
I really do enjoy books that ESRI publishes (if only they were cheaper) and I’ve noticed two books coming up that really interest me.
The first, “Building a GIS” by Dave Peters looks to be a big help with implementing GIS at organizations. In fact ESRI is pushing it as a “companion” to Roger Tomlinson’s Thinking About GIS, which is one of my favorite books (I even got a signed copy). The table of contents reveals how deeply it will visit many of the topics folks email me daily on such as ArcGIS architecture and security (feel free to continue emailing me though 
). I know many folks avoid these books because they have an obvious ESRI slant to them (given the publisher), but I find their approach valuable in any geospatial implementation.
The second book is one that I think I’m even more interested in reading, “The Business Benefits of GIS, An ROI Approach” by David Maguire, Victoria Kouyoumjian and Ross Smith. ESRI linked to an interview with David Maguire on the book and David hit a on something that I think is why this book will be very valuable. David rightly points out there are very few examples of “measurable” business benefits of GIS projects and no standardized way to estimate the ROI on using GIS. (read the interview for more insight). A good methodology to establish true value of a GIS will greatly improve its acceptance in both enterprise and smaller organizations. ESRI has even set up a website to support the book (http://gis.esri.com/roi/).
According to Barnes & Noble, the books won’t be shipping until late August, but maybe there will be something at the ESRI UC next month on them. Even at their cost (especially the second book), I think will be very valuable in my bookshelf.
Update: It looks like there will sessions for both books at the UC.
I have always been impressed with Dave Peters work. I took the ESRI Systems Architecture Design class a several years ago and was really impressed with his knowledge and passion for what he does. I have used System Architecture Design white paper he maintains more then once as a justification for new hardware. I really hope this book does not mean the end of that great free resource.
For those who aren’t familiar with Dave’s System Architecture Design white paper, you can read it right here:
http://esri.com/library/whitepapers/pdfs/sysdesig.pdf
As Chris M points out, it will be interesting to see if this whitepaper gets updated. I think we all sure hope so.
I took that class a few years ago too. I think it’s ESRI’s best course and Dave Peters does a great job. I’ll add this book to my collection.
If you check out the outline, it looks very much like the System Design Strategies .pdf. My guess is they are turning that into a more readable book.
sysdesig.pdf has wonderful content, but is not really designed for the masses. Reworking that into an ESRI Press style book will be a very valuable addition. I’ll probably use it in my “Managing GIS” class.
Dave Peters’ book will be available at the UC in San Diego starting August 3 at the Spatial Outlet/bookstore inside the conference center. At the same place, on the following Tuesday (August 5) at 1 pm, Dave and RogerTomlinson will be available together to autograph their books and answer questions.
Dave’s book has everything that has been in his White Paper (plus more content, all of it updated to July 2008) presented in such a way as to be more useful to more people. The book also comes with a creation of Dave’s (the Capacity Planning Tool,on a CD-ROM) that is usually only available if you take his class or workshop.
Dave will be presenting with other authors on Tuesday from 3:15 - 4:30 at the up coming ESRI Users Conference.
Description: GIS improves the way we do our work by facilitating better decision making and by saving money, time, and resources. Dave Peters, author of Building a GIS: System Architecture Design Strategies for Managers, will join David Maguire and Victoria Kouyoumjian, and Ross Smith, authors of newly released The Business Benefits of GIS: An ROI Approach. Panelists will address how GIS provides technology and methods for data integration, spatial analysis, and collaboration. Of course, they will also be willing to share tips on how to prove it.
To James and Chris and all those who hope Dave Peters’ White Paper continues to be updated: The answer is yes. He finished updating it first thing after returning from the UC this month (August). You’ll still want to have the book, though: there are details in it and fundamental principles clarified that only the book illuminates. Also, the brand new Capacity Planning Tool comes with the book, on a CD-ROM that also includes chapters 7 through 11 in pdf format, which explain the fundamental principles behind system design (7-9), describe how to use the Capacity Planning Tool (10), and provide a “hands-on” example of the system design process (11). The book does double-duty: useful for teachers and students as well as tech professionals.
I will be chasing up on the business benefits book, good accurate ROI facts n figures often can be difficult to quantify on many GIS projects.
I enjoy checking out your blog from time to time, thanks for your efforts James.
Cheers
Duane,
New Zealand