This book explains what GIS component technology means for managers and developers. The first half of the book is oriented toward decision makers and technical managers, and explains the general business case for the use of software components, trends in component technology, why the GIS industry needs software components, and how they are applied. The second half of the book is oriented toward programmers. It illustrates, through hands-on tutorials using Visual Basic and ESRI’s MapObjects product, how to use GIS software components to create, display, and query geographic data. A companion CD-ROM includes an evaluation copy of MapObjects and tutorial code.