Geographic information science
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. This article has been tagged since January 2007. |
Geographic information science (GISc) is the academic theory behind the development, use, and application of geographic information systems (GIS). It is concerned with how geographic systems are used for hardware, software, and spatial data. geographic information systems, on the other hand, address problems and issues primarily through technological methodology (e.g. digital mapping), geographic information science addresses the fundamental issues raised by the use of GIS and related technologies. (Wright, 2007).
[edit] Geographic Data versus Geographic Information
Geographic data refers to the data in its raw form. Geographic information is the result of an interpretation of data. As the real world is infinitely complex, choices over how the features of interest are described in the database, such as the percentage canopy closure for a given forest, results in alternative but equally valid interpretations of the same raw data. Thus, in the creation of information from data, choices about how and what to map are made. It is important to recognize, that information is socially constructed, as it depends on decisions and choices, themselves influenced by institutional and political contexts.
Because of these issues and many others, it is therefore useful to reflect on what it is we do with a GIS. Thus GISc is concerned with issues relating to representation, ontologies, error, and inconsistency. Uncertainty is introduced in almost every stage of the operation of a GIS, as there are subjective choices to be made. Thus, GISc must also explore the ethical implications of using GIS to represent "the truth" to whomever the audience is.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
Comber, A.J., Fisher, P.F., Wadsworth, R.A., (2005). What is land cover? Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 32:199-209.
Longley, Goodchild, Maguire, and Rhind. 2nd Ed.(2005) Geographic Information Systems and Science. ISBN: 0-470-87000-1.06:03, 23 February 2007 (UTC)06:03, 23 February 2007 (UTC)06:03, 23 February 2007 (UTC)06:03, 23 February 2007 (UTC)
Wright, D., (2007). Oregon State University. "GEO 465/565 Geographic Information Systems and Science". Website: http://dusk2.geo.orst.edu/gis/465desc.html
