"Building a GIS describes a time-tested approach to system architecture design specifically intended to ensure successful GIS operations. Over many years, author Dave Peters, ESRI's Director of Systems Integration, has developed and fine-tuned platform sizing models to support the systems integration of the advanced and evolving technologies we see today. This system design methodology has already led to thousands of successful GIS deployments over the last two decades. Now with a state-of-the-art Capacity Planning Tool that embodies the methodology (on the accompanying CD), anyone can try out various system configurations in theory before committing their resources. -- From the publisher.

Includes index.

Understanding the technology -- System design process -- Software technology -- Network communications -- GIS product architecture -- Enterprise security -- GIS data administration -- Understanding the fundamentals -- Performance fundamentals -- Software performance -- Platform performance -- Putting it all together -- Capacity planning -- Completing the system design -- System implementation.