GIS-based Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences [Hardcover]

Atsuyuki Okabe (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 084932713X | ISBN-13: 978-0849327131 | Publication Date: October 31, 2005 | Edition: 1

Studies in the humanities and the social sciences can be enhanced through the use of geographic information systems (GIS). However, this computer-aided method of analysis is worthless unless researchers can devote the time necessary to learn what it is, what it can do, and how to use it.

Resulting from a six-year project entitled Spatial Information Science for the Humanities and Social Sciences (SIS for HSS), GIS-Based Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences details the tools and processes for deploying GIS in economic and social analyses.

Through the use of this book, readers can understand how GIS technology can be utilized in advancing studies. This volume will also encourage professionals in humanities and the social sciences to employ new GIS-based methods in their own research.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 344 pages
• Publisher: CRC Press; 1 edition (October 31, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 084932713X
• ISBN-13: 978-0849327131
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,673,625 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Enabling GIS to the Social Scientist, March 25, 2006

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: GIS-based Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences (Hardcover)

A great many of the studies made in the humanities and social sciences have a geographical component. It may be the development of communities along transportation systems -- New Orleans was positioned where it is because it was the meeting place between river bound traffic and ocean going vessels.

Much of the studies made in a wide variety of areas like tax income, crime rates, migration patterns, housing prices, school/medical/fire/police services produce geographically oriented data that can better be displayed on a map than any other way.

Modern Geographical Information Systems have come a long way from the very expensive software systems of years past that also required the use of very expensive workstations. Indeed much of the needed software is now abailable at no cost. One chapter in the book details the efforts of the author and others in finding or establishing web sites that point to software of particular interest to the social sciences. Further the extremely rapid development of very powerful personal computer systems has completely overtaken the expensive workstations of the past.

This book is the result of a six year study conducted by Dr. Okabe at the University of Tokyo.