From GIS to neogeography: Ontological implications and theories of truth

Abstract

Neogeography has emerged as a descriptive and analytical tool for large numbers of people outside of academia, a process catalyzed by digital mapping technologies and the social networking practices of Web 2.0. This article examines the ontological and epistemological implications of this transition. It argues that neogeography has democratized GIS practices, facilitated the adoption of relational views of space and place, and broadened the ontological scope of GIS. Neogeography also poses epistemological challenges to the dominant theory of truth, in particular advancing a shift away from the correspondence model of truth toward consensus and performative interpretations. While recognizing the multiple unintended consequences of neogeographical practices, neogeography is held to be as a useful means for charting geographic space in light of intense postmodern time-space compression. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.