Qualitative GIS
A Mixed Methods Approach
- Meghan Cope - University of Vermont, USA
- Sarah Elwood - University of Washington, USA
With a detailed contextualizing introduction, the text is organized in three sections:
Representation: examines how researchers are using software techniques to create new types of representations: either 'quantifying qualitative data' or using non-numerical data in GIS to provide texture and context
Analysis: discusses the new techniques of analysis that are emerging at the margins between qualitative research and GIS; this in the wider context of a critical review of mixed-methods in geographical research
Theory: questions how knowledge is produced, showing how ideas of 'science' and 'truth' inform research, and demonstrates how qualitative GIS can be used to interrogate discussions of power, community and social action
Making reference to representation, analysis, and theory throughout, the text shows how to frame questions, collect data, analyze results, and represent findings in a truly integrated way. An important addition to the mixed methods literature, Qualitative GIS will be the standard reference for upper-level students and researchers using qualitative methods and Geographic Information Systems.
'An important and meaningful, even an innovative, resource in its field of inquiry. It makes a major contribution to geography by describing, presenting and analyzing the way in which qualitative information may be included in geographic information systems. GIS technology in general is not merely a tool for processing quantitative or qualitative spatial data. Qualitative GIS in particular constitutes a knowledge base with philosophical (ontological and epistemological) foundations. The incorporation of qualitative methods into GIS produces a whole that is "greater than the sum of its parts". Moreover, the book contributes to our understanding of the process in the social sciences by giving a visual presentation of social and spatial phenomena, and thus its contribution goes beyond the geographic discipline' -
Geography Research Forum
'Qualitative GIS is coming of age, and this definitive collection explains why it deserves broad attention. These carefully selected essays by leading researchers, organized around a broad conception of qualitative GIS that extends beyond multi-media data integration to embrace new software tools and interpretive, situated epistemologies, will push readers to rethink not only their preconceptions about qualitative GIS, but also about GI science and critical GIS. GIS researchers, practicioners, observers and users will find much to chew on here' - Professor Eric Sheppard, University of Minnesota, USA
Great that a handy text on this emerging yet still dynamic area of GIS is now available. Students will benefit from the synthesis it provides.
Great book that brings together ideas and research that explores the relatively new area of qualitative GIS. I will recommend this for our Masters Research Methods students.
A brilliant companion for navigating the emerging field of qualitative GIS. The book guides readers through aspects of performing mixed-method research using GIS, including methodological framework, techniques, geovisualisation, and why it is necessary for research.
The book is the first collection of papers about qualitative GIS. While there are several special issues of journals and some papers that are spread across the literature, it is very useful to have one source that can be used as a starting point. As there are more and more students who are interested in integration of text, images and video with GIS, this book is helpful for postgraduate students.
An excellent resource for teaching, but essentially supplementary material for interested students. Well researched, practical and crosses different solutions and methods for implementing GIS projects with a qualitative approach. This book is useful for existing projects and in building a research constituency for our undergraduate students.
An excellent resource for our research. Well researched, practical and crosses different solutions and methods for implementing GIS projects with a qualitative approach. This book is useful for supporting several existing projects using GIS, particularly in our field of natural resource management and sustainability. The text will support building a research constituency for our postgraduate and undergraduate students around innovative use of GIS platforms.
The book is too much a collection of articles in order to help my students to use quantitative and qualitative geo data in their projects
It is about the only book dealing with this topic! The papers selected for this book are relevant for some discussions in my seminar class.
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