Analysis of grids and surfaces - Spatial Data Analysis: An Introduction for GIS Users - page 170

Summary
This chapter has dealt with various aspects of surface and analysis. Map algebra, image
processing, and spatial fi lters were introduced. Following these, derivation of gradient
was detailed before a summary of some widely used methods for the analysis of sur-
faces was given. Such approaches are very widely used in many different applications
and an understanding of such approaches is essential in developing a rounded knowl-
edge of spatial data analysis. As detailed in Section 2.8.3, remote sensing is a core source
of spatial data and processing the imagery, using the kinds of techniques introduced in
this chapter, is an important task if these data are to be used to the full.
Further reading
Some basic principles of image processing are outlined by Burrough and McDonnell
(1998) , who also discuss elevation derivatives. The topic by Sonka et al . (1999) provides a
detailed introduction to some key principles of image processing. In remote sensing data
contexts specifi cally, the topic by Mather (2004) gives an excellent summary of some
important issues. A dedicated account of DEMs and their analysis is given by Li et al .
(2004) .
The next chapter revisits some of the themes explored throughout this topic and
suggests some ways forward for the interested reader.