"We have in recent years begun to view our planet as an oasis in the universe," writes Allan Falconer in his introduction to the relationship of the fundamental ideas and principles of sustainable development and geographic information systems, "a closed system with finite resources." Sustainable development-raising standards of living worldwide and maintaining them in ways that do not deplete resources or destroy habitat-is therefore a concept with broad appeal.

The issues and ideas surrounding this desire to both use and protect the earth, today and into the future, are based on contemporary science and international law, as well as the insights of philosophy and religion. The goal is to take action to build a sustainable world based on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace.

Synthesizing the vast amounts of data being collected about natural resources, population, health, education, public safety, and more - all within highly accurate and specific geographic contexts - GIS can help people assess and understand their community and environment, and change policy and practice at all levels, from the individual to the international. A System for Survival: GIS and Sustainable Development describes examples of how GIS has been crucial in many democratic governance and civil liberty programs, and serves to help make people more aware of how geographic technologies can play a creative and constructive role as we deal with the monumental challenges humanity faces.

Includes contributions from Basanta Shrestha, Birendra Bajracharya, Sushil Pradhan, and Timothy W. Foresman.

About the editors:

Allan Falconer is with the University of Mississippi and the Mississippi Space Commerce Initiative.

Joyce Foresman is with the International Center for Remote Sensing Education.