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Geographic Information Systems for the Social Sciences Investigating Space and Place

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ISBN-10: 0761928731

ISBN-13: 9780761928737

Edition: 2006

Authors: Steven J. Steinberg, Sheila L. Steinberg

List price: $151.00
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Description:

GIS - Geographic Information Systems - allows the user to broaden the scope of comparisons, contrast and the inclusion of space and place into the study of social issues. Designed for practitioners in the field, this book examines the role that geographic context plays in the social sciences.
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Book details

List price: $151.00
Copyright year: 2006
Publisher: SAGE Publications, Incorporated
Publication date: 8/4/2005
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 272
Size: 6.90" wide x 9.90" long x 0.60" tall
Weight: 1.034
Language: English

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…    

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…    

Preface
Organization of this book
Chapter Summaries
Introduction
Social Inequality in Chicago Slums
Railroads as Indicators of Civilized Society
Early Social Ecology: Spatial Studies of Chicago
Relevant Web Sites
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
What is a Geographic Information System?
Understanding GIS
The "G" in GIS
The "I" in GIS
The "S" in GIS
Summary
Relevant Web Sites
GIS Basics
An Example of a Spatially-Based Study
GIS Data Formats
Spatial Data Formats
GIS Data Models
Topological and Raster Data Models and Analysis Approaches
Data Compression and Packaging
Essential Mapping Concepts
So What Do I Do?
GIS Output
Summary
Relevant Web Sites
Suggested Reading
Topics for Sociospatial Research
Introduction
What Value Does GIS Present in Social Science Research?
Exploring and Integrating Information
Determining Project Goals
Guiding Questions
How To: Steps in the Process
Relevant Web Sites
Research Design
Inductive Versus Deductive Approach to Research
What Is the Purpose of Your Research?
Stages of Sociospatial Research for Deductive Research
The Role of Time
Errors in Human Inquiry
Ecological Fallacy
Ethics and GIS
Relevant Web Sites
Suggested Reading
Qualitative Research Methods and GIS
Introduction
Grounded Theory: GIS Using an Inductive Approach
Grounded Theory and GIS
Sociospatial Grounded Theory Using GIS
Questions to Guide Integration of GIS Into Field Research
Local Sources of Data
Oral History Interviews
Participant Observation
News as a Source of Data
Ethnography and GIS
Case Studies and GIS
Public Participation and GIS
Relevant Web Sites
GIS Data Collection and Development (Sources, Input, and Output)
Introduction
Data Acquisition
Evaluating Data Suitability
Obtaining GIS Data From the Internet
Obtaining Data From Offline Sources
How Can I Use My Own Data?
Approaching the Use of GIS With and Without Computer in the Field
Data Collection Considerations
Unit of Analysis
Database Concepts and GIS
Rules for GIS Database Development
Creating GIS-Friendly Data Tables
Integrating Other Types of Data
GIS Output
Conclusions
Relevant Web Sites
Measurement
Introduction
Type of Data Source: Primary or Secondary
Concepts, Variables, and Attributes
Operationalization of Concepts in GIS
Different Data Types: Matching Geographic and Social Variables?
Validity and Reliability
Data Sampling and GIS
Study Area and Sample Unit Boundaries
Factors Affecting Choice of GIS Variables
Relevant Web Sites
Suggested Reading
Data Documentation and Model Development
The Importance of Ground Truthing Data
Documenting Data Accuracy and Quality (Metadata)
Analytical Approach
Phases of Abstraction
Statistical Outputs From GIS
Relevant Web Sites
Analysis, Interpretation, and Application
Analysis Techniques
Cartographic Classification
Buffer and Overlay
Proximity Polygons and Nearest Neighbors
Social Networks and Network Analysis
Topographic Tools
Spatial Interpolation and Simulation
Modeling
When to Use GIS as a Problem-Solving Tool
Potential Pitfalls
Relevant Web Sites
Future Opportunities for Social Research and GIS
Linking GIS and the Social Sciences
Using GIS to Study Society and Change
Identifying Social Inequality
GIS City Case Example
Government and GIS
Data Continuity Over Time
Metadata Documentation of Your Data
Future Directions for GIS and Social Sciences
Visualization and GIS
Faster Response Time
Impact of Tools for the Future
Parting Thoughts
Some Suggestions for Student Research Projects
Relevant Web Sites
Glossary
Web Links
References
Index