Geographic Information Systems for the Social Sciences

Dr. Steven J. Steinberg is an Associate Professor of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences at Humboldt State University, Arcata, California. He received his bachelor′s degree from Kent State University, Ohio; his master′s from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and his doctorate from The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He has been involved extensively in the development and teaching of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing courses in both the university and professional development arenas. Since coming to Humboldt State University, Dr. Steinberg has taught and developed a variety of courses in the area of GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data analysis, with an emphasis on human interactions with social and environmental surroundings. His recent research interests include the development of simple, Web-based spatial analysis tools. He also has interests in the interactions between people and their surroundings through the use of spatial analysis techniques. As cofounder and director of Humboldt State University′s Advanced Spatial Analysis Facility, Dr. Steinberg has overseen a variety of GIS and spatial analysis projects and research with organizations and government agencies in northern California and elsewhere. He was selected as a Fulbright Scholar for 2004-2005, serving as distinguished chair in airborne remote sensing with the Centre for Scientific Computing at Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. During 2005-2007, he is participating as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists at Humboldt State University on a National Science Foundation project extending research experience to undergraduate students in a cross-disciplinary computing modeling and applications environment.  Dr. Sheila L. Steinberg is Associate Director of the California Center for Rural Policy and is an Associate Professor of sociology at Humboldt State University, Arcata, California. She completed her bachelor’s at the University of California, Santa Barbara; her master’s at the University of California, Berkeley; and her doctorate at The Pennsylvania State University. Her research interests include sociospatial research, rural poverty, rural health, applied sociology, community development, and environmental sociology. She has conducted field research in Nepal, Guatemala, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and northern California. The theme throughout this research has been the examination of people and their relationship to space and place. Her current research examines how to integrate GIS into rural health research. In 2000, she joined Humboldt State University, where she now teaches courses on human interactions with the physical environment at the local, national, and global levels.

This book will be essential for the Data Analysis and Information management modules on the course. It is pitched at about the right level for the students, and will be helpful to both those who have used GIS before, and those who wish to improve their knowledge and skills. A very useful text.

• PrefaceOrganization of this bookChapter SummariesIntroductionSocial Inequality in Chicago SlumsRailroads as Indicators of Civilized Society Early Social Ecology: Spatial Studies of ChicagoRelevant Web Sites1. Introduction to Geographic Information SystemsWhat is a Geographic Information System?Understanding GISThe "G" in GISThe "I" in GISThe "S" in GISSummaryRelevant Web Sites2. GIS BasicsAn Example of a Spatially-Based StudyGIS Data FormatsSpatial Data FormatsGIS Data ModelsTopological and Raster Data Models and Analysis ApproachesData Compression and PackagingEssential Mapping ConceptsSo What Do I Do?GIS OutputSummaryRelevant Web SitesSuggested Reading3. Topics for Sociospatial ResearchIntroductionWhat Value Does GIS Present in Social Science Research?Exploring and Integrating InformationDetermining Project GoalsGuiding Questions How To: Steps in the ProcessRelevant Web Sites4. Research DesignInductive Versus Deductive Approach to ResearchWhat Is the Purpose of Your Research?Stages of Sociospatial Research for Deductive ResearchThe Role of TimeErrors in Human InquiryEcological FallacyEthics and GISRelevant Web SitesSuggested Reading5. Qualitative Research Methods and GISIntroductionGrounded Theory: GIS Using an Inductive ApproachGrounded Theory and GISSociospatial Grounded Theory Using GISQuestions to Guide Integration of GIS Into Field ResearchLocal Sources of DataOral History InterviewsParticipant ObservationNews as a Source of DataEthnography and GISCase Studies and GISPublic Participation and GIS Relevant Web Sites6. GIS Data Collection and Development (Sources, Input, and Output)IntroductionData AcquisitionEvaluating Data SuitabilityObtaining GIS Data From the InternetObtaining Data From Offline SourcesHow Can I Use My Own Data?Approaching the Use of GIS With and Without Computer in the FieldData Collection ConsiderationsUnit of AnalysisDatabase Concepts and GISRules for GIS Database DevelopmentCreating GIS-Friendly Data TablesIntegrating Other Types of DataGIS OutputConclusionsRelevant Web Sites7. MeasurementIntroductionType of Data Source: Primary or SecondaryConcepts, Variables, and AttributesOperationalization of Concepts in GISDifferent Data Types: Matching Geographic and Social Variables?Validity and ReliabilityData Sampling and GISStudy Area and Sample Unit BoundariesFactors Affecting Choice of GIS VariablesRelevant Web SitesSuggested Reading8. Data Documentation and Model DevelopmentThe Importance of Ground Truthing DataDocumenting Data Accuracy and Quality (Metadata)Analytical ApproachPhases of AbstractionStatistical Outputs From GISRelevant Web Sites9. Analysis, Interpretation, and ApplicationAnalysis TechniquesCartographic ClassificationBuffer and OverlayProximity Polygons and Nearest NeighborsSocial Networks and Network AnalysisTopographic ToolsSpatial Interpolation and SimulationModelingWhen to Use GIS as a Problem-Solving ToolPotential PitfallsRelevant Web Sites10. Future Opportunities for Social Research and GISLinking GIS and the Social SciencesUsing GIS to Study Society and ChangeIdentifying Social InequalityGIS City Case ExampleGovernment and GISData Continuity Over TimeMetadata Documentation of Your DataFuture Directions for GIS and Social SciencesVisualization and GISFaster Response TimeImpact of Tools for the FutureParting ThoughtsSome Suggestions for Student Research ProjectsRelevant Web SitesGlossaryWeb LinksReferencesIndex