Theorizing with GIS: A Tool for Critical Geographies?

Marianna Pavlovskaya
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Marianna Pavlovskaya: Department of Geography, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10021, USA

Environment and Planning A, 2006, vol. 38, issue 11, 2003-2020

Abstract: In this paper I explore the potential of using geographical information systems (GIS) in qualitative research by disentangling the seemingly rigid association of the field of geographic information science with quantitative geography. I examine the opposition between quantitative and qualitative methods as an extension of different epistemologies and not as indicative of their innate incompatibility, and reposition GIS within these methods seen as a continuum. I show that the always-assumed alignment of GIS with quantitative research has never been complete and the many openings in GIS enable qualitative research. I also discuss how critical geographers can engage with and transform GIS as well as enhance their explanations and social theory in general by representing spatially complex social processes and relationships.

Date: 2006
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:envira:v:38:y:2006:i:11:p:2003-2020

DOI: 10.1068/a37326

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