GIS Monitor has a review of Basic GIS Coordinates, a book which addresses the challenge of trying to apply mathematical coordinate models to an inherently irregularly shaped planet. From Matteo’s review:

Basic GIS Coordinates explains the progression of ideas that are the foundation of coordinate systems — including state plane coordinates, UTM coordinates, and the rectangular system. Van Sickle traces both the intellectual and technological developments — the concepts and the means — of measuring our world. He includes just enough history to entertain and to clarify why things are as they are — without distracting from the flow of his technical explanation. Likewise, he refrains from overwhelming the reader with the supporting mathematics.

Via Slashgeo.

• Buy Basic GIS Coordinates at Amazon.com