GeoComputation
Encyclopedia
GeoComputation is an emergent paradigm for multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary research that enables the exploration of previously insoluble, extraordinarily intricate problems in geographic
context.
, the emergence of a new paradigm
is hotly debated not just by defenders of the old way but also by its first practitioners. Some see GeoComputation as an incremental development rather than something entirely new. Several doubt that GeoComputation will make any real contribution to the science
s. Others view GeoComputation as a follow-on revolution to GIS
.
Openshaw argues GeoComputation is not just using computational
techniques to solve spatial problems, but rather a completely new way of doing science
in a geographical context.
Just as system dynamics
is an approach to modelling strongly interactive, highly dynamic systems such as ecological
, population
, and economic
systems, GeoComputation seeks to investigate these problems in their spatial context. These may be seen as complementary approaches to exploring complex social and environmental problems.
, crime
incidence, the source and areal extent of environmental contamination
, the origin and spread of disease
, the areal extent of natural disasters, etc. Both geographers and non-geographers have assembled massive amounts of digital
information with spatial attributes. This vast and growing collection of spatial data and the extreme complexity of geospatial
problems waiting to be explored prompted GeoComputation.
Some uses have already been made of Spatial Decision Support System
s. These are an aid to urban and regional planners in their decision making process.
Geography
Geography is the science that studies the lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena of Earth. A literal translation would be "to describe or write about the Earth". The first person to use the word "geography" was Eratosthenes...
context.
Introduction
As with any revolution in the sciencesThe Structure of Scientific Revolutions
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions , by Thomas Kuhn, is an analysis of the history of science. Its publication was a landmark event in the history, philosophy, and sociology of scientific knowledge and it triggered an ongoing worldwide assessment and reaction in — and beyond — those scholarly...
, the emergence of a new paradigm
Paradigm
The word paradigm has been used in science to describe distinct concepts. It comes from Greek "παράδειγμα" , "pattern, example, sample" from the verb "παραδείκνυμι" , "exhibit, represent, expose" and that from "παρά" , "beside, beyond" + "δείκνυμι" , "to show, to point out".The original Greek...
is hotly debated not just by defenders of the old way but also by its first practitioners. Some see GeoComputation as an incremental development rather than something entirely new. Several doubt that GeoComputation will make any real contribution to the science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
s. Others view GeoComputation as a follow-on revolution to GIS
Geographic Information System
A geographic information system, geographical information science, or geospatial information studies is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographically referenced data...
.
Openshaw argues GeoComputation is not just using computational
Computing
Computing is usually defined as the activity of using and improving computer hardware and software. It is the computer-specific part of information technology...
techniques to solve spatial problems, but rather a completely new way of doing science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
in a geographical context.
Just as system dynamics
System dynamics
System dynamics is an approach to understanding the behaviour of complex systems over time. It deals with internal feedback loops and time delays that affect the behaviour of the entire system. What makes using system dynamics different from other approaches to studying complex systems is the use...
is an approach to modelling strongly interactive, highly dynamic systems such as ecological
Ecology
Ecology is the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment. Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount , number, and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems...
, population
Demography
Demography is the statistical study of human population. It can be a very general science that can be applied to any kind of dynamic human population, that is, one that changes over time or space...
, and economic
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
systems, GeoComputation seeks to investigate these problems in their spatial context. These may be seen as complementary approaches to exploring complex social and environmental problems.
Application
Much information is inherently spatial in nature: the distribution of population, the movement patterns of migratory animals, location of natural resourcesNatural Resources
Natural Resources is a soul album released by Motown girl group Martha Reeves and the Vandellas in 1970 on the Gordy label. The album is significant for the Vietnam War ballad "I Should Be Proud" and the slow jam, "Love Guess Who"...
, crime
Crime
Crime is the breach of rules or laws for which some governing authority can ultimately prescribe a conviction...
incidence, the source and areal extent of environmental contamination
Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e. physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light...
, the origin and spread of disease
Disease
A disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism. It is often construed to be a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune...
, the areal extent of natural disasters, etc. Both geographers and non-geographers have assembled massive amounts of digital
Digital
A digital system is a data technology that uses discrete values. By contrast, non-digital systems use a continuous range of values to represent information...
information with spatial attributes. This vast and growing collection of spatial data and the extreme complexity of geospatial
Geospatial
Geospatial analysis is an approach to applying statistical analysis and other informational techniques to geographically based data. Such analysis employs spatial software and analytical methods with terrestrial or geographic datasets, including geographic information systems and...
problems waiting to be explored prompted GeoComputation.
Some uses have already been made of Spatial Decision Support System
Spatial Decision Support System
Spatial decision support systems developed in parallel with the concept of decision support systems .An sDSS is an interactive, computer-based system designed to support a user or group of users in achieving a higher effectiveness of decision making while solving a semi-structured spatial problem...
s. These are an aid to urban and regional planners in their decision making process.
External links
- International Cartographic Association (ICA), the world body for mapping and GIScience professionals
- The Semantics of GeoComputation
- GeoComputation.org
- What is GeoComputation? A history and outline
- Centre for Computational Geography University of Leeds
- System Dynamics Group Department of Geography, University of Bergen
- Geosimulation.org
- http://ncg.nuim.ie/ National Centre for Geocomputation, National University of Ireland, Maynooth