Data and technology books to give as Christmas presents

As we do every year, the datos.gob.es team wishes you happy holidays. If this Christmas you feel like giving or giving yourself a gift of knowledge, we bring you our traditional Christmas letter with ideas to ask Father Christmas or the Three Wise Men.

We have a selection of books on a variety of topics such as data protection, new developments in AI or the great scientific discoveries of the 20th century. All these recommendations, ranging from essays to novels, will be a sure hit to put under the tree.

Maniac by Benjamin Labatut.

• What is it about? Guided by the figure of John von Neumann, one of the great geniuses of the 20th century, the book covers topics such as the creation of atomic bombs, the Cold War, the birth of the digital universe and the rise of artificial intelligence. The story begins with the tragic suicide of Paul Ehrenfest and progresses through the life of von Neumann, who foreshadowed the arrival of a technological singularity. The book culminates in a confrontation between man and machine in an epic showdown in the game of Go, which serves as a warning about the future of humanity and its creations.
• Who is it aimed at? This science fiction novel is aimed at anyone interested in the history of science, technology and its philosophical and social implications. Es ideal para quienes disfrutan de narrativas que combinan el thriller con profundas reflexiones sobre el futuro de la humanidad y el avance tecnológico. It is also suitable for those looking for a literary work that delves into the limits of thought, reason and artificial intelligence.

Take control of your data, by Alicia Asin.

• What is it about? This book compiles resources to better understand the digital environment in which we live, using practical examples and clear definitions that make it easier for anyone to understand how technologies affect our personal and social lives. It also invites us to be more aware of the consequences of the indiscriminate use of our data, from the digital trail we leave behind or the management of our privacy on social networks, to trading on the dark web. It also warns about the legitimate but sometimes invasive use of our online behaviour by many companies.
• Who is it aimed at? The author of this book is CEO of the data reuse company Libelium who participated in one of our Encuentros Aporta and is a leading expert on privacy, appropriate use of data and data spaces, among others. In this book, the author offers a business perspective through a work aimed at the general public.

Governance, management and quality of artificial intelligence by Mario Geraldo Piattini.

• What is it about? Artificial intelligence is increasingly present in our daily lives and in the digital transformation of companies and public bodies, offering both benefits and potential risks. In order to benefit properly from the advantages of AI and avoid problems it is very important to have ethical, legal and responsible systems in place. This book provides an overview of the main standards and tools for managing and assuring the quality of intelligent systems. To this end, it provides clear examples of best available practices. 
• Who is it aimed at? Although anyone can read it, the book provides tools to help companies meet the challenges of AI by creating systems that respect ethical principles and align with engineering best practices.

Nexus, by Yuval Noah.

• What is it about?  In this new installment, one of the most fashionable writers analyzes how information networks have shaped human history, from the Stone Age to the present era.  This essay explores the relationship between information, truth, bureaucracy, mythology, wisdom and power, and how different societies have used information to impose order, with both positive and negative consequences. In this context, the author discusses the urgent decisions we must make in the face of current threats, such as the impact of non-human intelligence on our existence.
• Who is it aimed at? It is a mainstream work, i.e. anyone can read it and will most likely enjoy reading it. It is a particularly attractive option for readers seeking to reflect on the role of information in modern society and its implications for the future of humanity, in a context where emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are challenging our way of life.

Generative Deep Learning: Teaching Machines to Paint, Write, Compose, and Play by David Foster (second edition 2024)

• What is it about? This practical book dives into the fascinating world of generative deep learning, exploring how machines can create art, music and text. Throughout, Foster guides us through the most innovative architectures such as VAEs, GANs and broadcasting models, explaining how these technologies can transform photographs, generate music and even write text. The book starts with the basics of deep learning and progresses to cutting-edge applications, including image creation with Stable Diffusion, text generation with GPT and music composition with MuSEGAN. It is a work that combines technical rigour with artistic creativity.
• Who is it aimed at? This technical manual is intended for machine learning engineers, data scientists and developers who want to enter the field of generative deep learning. It is ideal for those who already have a background in programming and machine learning, and wish to explore how machines can create original content. It will also be valuable for creative professionals interested in understanding how AI can amplify their artistic capabilities. The book strikes the perfect balance between mathematical theory and practical implementation, making complex concepts accessible through concrete examples and working code.

Information is beautiful, by David McCandless.

• What is it about? Esta guía visual en inglés nos ayuda a entender cómo funciona el mundo a través de impactantes infografías y visualizaciones de datos. This new edition has been completely revised, with more than 20 updates and 20 new visualisations. It presents information in a way that is easy to skim, but also invites further exploration.
• Who is it aimed at? This book is aimed at anyone interested in seeing and understanding information in a different way. It is perfect for those looking for an innovative and visually appealing way to understand the world around us. It is also ideal for those who enjoy exploring data, facts and their interrelationships in an entertaining and accessible way.

Collecting Field Data with QGIS and Mergin Maps, de Kurt Menke y Alexandra Bucha Rasova.

• What is it about? This book teaches you how to master the Mergin Maps platform for collecting, sharing and managing field data using QGIS. The book covers everything from the basics, such as setting up projects in QGIS and conducting field surveys, to advanced workflows for customising projects and managing collaborations. In addition, details on how to create maps, set up survey layers and work with smart forms for data collection are included.
• Who is it aimed at? Although it is a somewhat more technical option than the previous proposals, the book is aimed at new users of Mergin Maps and QGIS. It is also useful for those who are already familiar with these tools and are looking for more advanced workflows.

A terrible greenery by Benjamin Labatut.

• What is it about? This book is a fascinating blend of science and literature, narrating scientific discoveries and their implications, both positive and negative. Through powerful stories, such as the creation of Prussian blue and its connection to chemical warfare, the mathematical explorations of Grothendieck and the struggle between scientists like Schrödinger and Heisenberg, the author, Benjamin Labatut, leads us to explore the limits of science, the follies of knowledge and the unintended consequences of scientific breakthroughs. The work turns science into literature, presenting scientists as complex and human characters.
• Who is it aimed at? The book is aimed at a general audience interested in science, the history of discoveries and the human stories behind them, with a focus on those seeking a literary and in-depth approach to scientific topics. It is ideal for those who enjoy works that explore the complexity of knowledge and its effects on the world.

Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users, de Cynthia A. Brewer.

• What is it about? It is a guide in English written by the expert cartographer that teaches how to create successful maps using any GIS or illustration tool. Through its 400 full-colour illustrations, the book covers the best cartographic design practices applied to both reference and statistical maps. Topics include map planning, using base maps, managing scale and time, explaining maps, publishing and sharing, using typography and labels, understanding and using colour, and customising symbols.
• Who is it aimed at? This book is intended for all geographic information systems (GIS) users, from beginners to advanced cartographers, who wish to improve their map design skills.

Although in the post we link many purchase links. If you are interested in any of these options, we encourage you to ask your local bookshop to support small businesses during the festive season. Do you know of any other interesting titles? Write it in comments or send it to dinamizacion@datos.gob.es. We read you!