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1. Beautiful & Informative
   I recently bought this book as a gift for my husband (another Esri GIS super user since the 90’s) – and he loves it. It’s become a permanent fixture on our dining room table; he reads a chapter every morning. He isn’t one to “gush” about things, but he’s definitely been gushing about the quality of the images and content of this book. Highly recommend.

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2. Great tour through the past, present, and future of GIS!
   The Power of Where is a near book. Although the visuals are indeed awesome, it’s the mapping and GIS history lesson in the Preface that I really enjoyed.

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3. Seeing the World Differently Through The Power of Where
   Reads like one long advertisement.

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4. The Definitive Book on GIS Technology
   Reif Larsen observed that “A map does not just chart, it unlocks and formulates meaning; it forms bridges between here and there, between disparate ideas that we did not know were previously connected.” As a career professional in computerized mapping a.k.a. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) since 1977, I completely agree with Larsen. The 490 maps in “The Power of Where” are beautiful and compelling, but their ultimate benefits go far deeper than their visual attractiveness.GIS is like the Indian proverb of the six blind men and the elephant, as the technology has many distinctive facets. Jack Dangermond, the individual who arguably has done the most to promote GIS usage worldwide, has organized his book by eight such facets. He first provides a brief history of the evolution of GIS technology and then devotes a chapter to explaining and illustrating the eight facets: Geographic Approach, GeoData, Geovisualization, Geocommunication, Geoanalytics, Geocollaboration, Geoaccounting, and Geodesign. An appreciation of the full power of the eight facets would require a separate book on each, so I won’t attempt a summary here. Esri has, however, provided a highly informative website for drilling down on case studies et al. for each of the facets at PowerOfWhere.com.My one quasi-disappoint was that the book only devotes a few pages to the convergence of GIS with artificial intelligence – “GeoAI”. In fairness, GeoAI is a newly emerging field, and I’m biased because GeoAI is a salient interest of mine. That said, writings and videos on GeoAI are available at Esri’s publications center at Mediaspace.Esri.com.In my opinion “The Power of Where” is now the definitive book on applied GIS technology – and is likely to remain so for years to come.

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5. All of digital geography in one place
   The Power of Where presents the full sweep of digital geography in one accessible work, with tons of maps and images you can flip through like a magazine, and composed with all the wisdom of someone who lived it and built it. It also tells the story of the early days of Esri, which Jack and Laura Dangermond founded in 1969.I’m a fan of mission-driven founders sharing their knowledge and philosophies, and when it’s not on the coffee table I have this on the shelf next to Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s classic, Let My People Go Surfing. In this case it’s Let My People Go Mapping.

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6. Great book for both GIS newcomers and seasoned professionals
   In this book, Jack Dangermond offers an insightful exploration of Geographic Information Systems that book is filled with stunning visuals, real-life stories, and web maps that highlight the transformative power of GIS.I love the companion website, powerofwhere.com, which enriches the experience with interactive maps and resources, making this book an invaluable tool for educators and anyone interested in GIS. The Power of Where is not just a technical manual but a compelling call to action, inspiring readers to harness the power of place for positive change.Highly recommended!

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7. Very inspiring journey through the world of GIS
   This book is a wonderful exploration of the profound impact geographic information systems (GIS) have on our world. Jack Dangermond eloquently illustrates how spatial thinking can solve complex problems, from urban planning to environmental conservation. The book is comprised of many real-world examples and showcases the transformative power of understanding the “where” in every equation. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in technology, geography, and innovative problem-solving. I really love it!

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