Summary PostGIS in Action, Second Edition teaches readers of all levels to write spatial queries that solve real-world problems. It first gives you a background in vector-, raster-, and topology-based GIS and then quickly moves into analyzing, viewing, and mapping data. This second edition covers PostGIS 2.0 and 2.1 series, PostgreSQL 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 features, and shows you how to integrate with other GIS tools. Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications. About the Book Processing data tied to location and topology requires specialized know-how. PostGIS is a free spatial database extender for PostgreSQL, every bit as good as proprietary software. With it, you can easily create location-aware queries in just a few lines of SQL code and build the back end for a mapping, raster analysis, or routing application with minimal effort. PostGIS in Action, Second Edition teaches you to solve real-world geodata problems. It first gives you a background in vector-, raster-, and topology-based GIS and then quickly moves into analyzing, viewing, and mapping data. You\'ll learn how to optimize queries for maximum speed, simplify geometries for greater efficiency, and create custom functions for your own applications. You\'ll also learn how to apply your existing GIS knowledge to PostGIS and integrate with other GIS tools. Familiarity with relational database and GIS concepts is helpful but not required. What\'s Inside An introduction to spatial databasesGeometry, geography, raster, and topology spatial types, functions, and queriesApplying PostGIS to real-world problemsExtending PostGIS to web and desktop applicationsUpdated for PostGIS 2.x and PostgreSQL 9.x About the Authors Regina Obe and Leo Hsu are database consultants and authors. Regina is a member of the PostGIS core development team and the Project Steering Committee. Table of Contents PART 1 INTRODUCTION TO POSTGISWhat is a spatial database?Spat ...