The practice of geographic information science

Abstract

This chapter begins with definitions of geographic information science (GIScience), of geocomputation, and of spatial analysis. We then discuss how these research areas have been influenced by recent developments in computing and data-intensive analysis, before setting out their core organizing principles from a practical perspective. The following section reflects on the key characteristics of geographic information, the problems posed by large data volumes, the relevance of geographic scale, the remit of geographic simulation, and the key achievements of GIScience and geocomputation to date. Our subsequent review of changing scientific practices and the changing problems facing scientists addresses developments in high-performance computing, heightened awareness of the social context of GIS, and the importance of neogeography in providing new data sources and in driving the need for new techniques.