Introduction

Dear Student,

This OPEN textbook was developed as a supplement to Geography 222.3 (GEOG 222), Introduction to Geomatics at the University of Saskatchewan. GEOG 222 is a required course for all Geography majors (B.A., B.Sc., B.A.Sc., and Planning), as well as the gateway geomatics course for a Specialization and Certificate in Geomatics. The content of this reader is a mix of original content (95% to 100% of the text and most of the images) created by Professor Scott Bell while other material comes from attributed sources (attribution is included at the beginning of a chapter or section, or for the note taking guide, on each slide or at the culmination of a series of slides).

Lecture notes and slides will also be available via the course BBlearn page; in the future the note-taking guide will also be available with this textbook. In my version of the course for which this book is used, I reserve the right to make minor revisions to my PowerPoint slides but most lectures will be the same as what you downloaded.

I have spent a lot of time thinking about the value of non-OPEN textbooks and reading material for this class. Despite the advanced nature of some of the material, almost all of the facts, concepts, and information are well established. For almost any topic in this course, a rationale/critical/“thorough” web search should provide ample additional material to round out your knowledge. I am under no illusion that my explanation of a topic will be satisfactory for all of you; I have a lecturing and writing style that is my own. In my class I ask students to approach me after lecture (for a brief discussion) or schedule an office visit to discuss any topic or seek my assistance finding supplementary readings.

At the U of S, success in this course is based on attendance and attention during lectures, assigned readings from the textbook, and completion and comprehension of lab work. Geomatics is a subdiscipline of geography that is highly practical; it is also built on a theoretical and scientific foundation with a long intellectual history. The skills you will acquire and tools you will learn to use in any course associated with this text can be applied in almost any field and can enhance inquiry across science, social science, engineering, and the humanities. If you find any errors or have suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me at scott.bell@usask.ca.

I hope you enjoy your course, find the material here useful, and that it improves your lecture experience.

Have a great term,

Scott.