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.
This book is a wonderful resource for any researcher who wishes to engage in including geographical data into their research agenda.
The book is packed full of very good articles on the "how to" of conducting geographical research and contains a wide variety of tips for analyzing GIS data.
I am on sabbatical next year but would definitely like to consider this book for adoption in my qualitative course the following year!
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.
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.
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.
