Springer, 2009. - 224 pages. Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy
Series
This book is truly unique. It is a book that has become necessary because of advancing computer technology. It outlines the techniques involved in making observational sketches and more detailed ‘scientific’ drawings of a wide variety of astronomical subjects using mode digital equipment; primarily PDAs and tablet PCs. Choosing hardware and software is discussed at the beginning, followed by the techniques involved in amateur astronomers producing finished drawings. Completing and enhancing these drawings at the desktop PC is also covered.
No other book on the market deals with the subject of digital observational drawing – not even touching upon it briefly. People are increasingly ‘digitising’ their lifestyles, and amateur astronomers of the future will not have to contend with soggy paper and smudgy pencils while juggling a red torch at the eyepiece! Those who have seen the techniques that the author has pioneered, and which he describes in detail in Astronomical Cybersketching, have universally commented that "cybersketching" – the use of handheld PCs with touch sensitive screens that can be used for drawing and other input – is the future of making records of visual observations of astronomical subjects, and is already taking its place alongside mode CCD, digicam and webcam imaging techniques.
This book is truly unique. It is a book that has become necessary because of advancing computer technology. It outlines the techniques involved in making observational sketches and more detailed ‘scientific’ drawings of a wide variety of astronomical subjects using mode digital equipment; primarily PDAs and tablet PCs. Choosing hardware and software is discussed at the beginning, followed by the techniques involved in amateur astronomers producing finished drawings. Completing and enhancing these drawings at the desktop PC is also covered.
No other book on the market deals with the subject of digital observational drawing – not even touching upon it briefly. People are increasingly ‘digitising’ their lifestyles, and amateur astronomers of the future will not have to contend with soggy paper and smudgy pencils while juggling a red torch at the eyepiece! Those who have seen the techniques that the author has pioneered, and which he describes in detail in Astronomical Cybersketching, have universally commented that "cybersketching" – the use of handheld PCs with touch sensitive screens that can be used for drawing and other input – is the future of making records of visual observations of astronomical subjects, and is already taking its place alongside mode CCD, digicam and webcam imaging techniques.