Geographic Information Science

Definition

Geographic Information Science (GIScience) refers to the academic discipline and broad-based scientific research field that studies the theories, methods, technologies, and applications related to geographic information systems (GIS). It explores how spatial information is collected, stored, managed, analyzed, visualized, and utilized, often taking an interdisciplinary approach that bridges the gap between the physical sciences and social sciences.

What is Geographic Information Science?

Geographic Information Science is a wide-ranging field that investigates not only the technologies used in Geographic Information Systems but also the underlying principles and theories of geographic data. This includes addressing technical, methodological, and conceptual issues related to spatial data handling.

It incorporates aspects such as spatial analysis, cartography, remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), and digital image processing. As a science, it strives to understand the nature of spatial information itself, the ongoing improvements on the software and hardware capabilities of these systems, and how these improvements can be utilized to solve complex real-world problems.

GIScience has a wide range of applications including spatial data mining, land use planning, urban development, environmental management, transportation planning, emergency and disaster management, public health and numerous other fields that require understanding and interpretation of spatial data.

FAQs

What is the difference between GIScience and GIS?

While GIS refers to the technological tools and systems used to gather, interpret, and visualize geographic information, GIScience is the underlying academic discipline and research field focused on understanding how these tools and systems work and can be improved. GIScience, unlike GIS, extends beyond just the application of the technology, studying the theories, methodologies, and principles related to geographic data and spatial information handling.

What are some of the key subfields within GIScience?

Subfields within GIScience include spatial data analysis, geovisualization, geocomputation, cartography, spatial cognition, remote sensing, spatial modeling, and digital image processing, among others.

What careers can someone pursue with a background in GIScience?

Career opportunities for those with a GIScience background are broad and varied. They include roles such as GIS analyst, spatial data scientist, urban planner, environmental consultant, transportation analyst, remote sensing analyst, geospatial software developer, and careers in many other fields that require spatial data and analysis skills.