Beginning Spatial With SQL Server 2008

Focusing on "out of the box" business applications, a UK management information consultant introduces Microsoft SQL Server 2008 as database management software that does not require use of dedicated geographical information systems (GIS) for working with spatial data. After reviewing the basic principles of working with such data, Aitchison explains how to create data objects; add, present, and analyze spatial data in SQL Server 2008; display the data on Web applications using Virtual Earth and Google Maps; and visualize query results in the companion SQL Service Management Studio tool. Information is provided on downloading code examples from the publisher's website, and obtaining the supplementary software featured and an eBook version at nominal cost. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Alastair Aitchison has more than eight years of experience as a management information consultant, specializing in the design and deployment of online reporting systems. For the last three years, he has been employed as a reporting and analysis manager at Aviva, the world's fifth largest insurance group. In this role, he has championed the use of spatial data in corporate applications including the geographic analysis of risk patterns, plotting the success of regional marketing campaigns, and understanding the impact of major weather incidents. Alastair is a Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor and has delivered numerous training courses to individuals and small groups on a range of software packages.