Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) use computer software and hardware to visualize, manage, and analyze spatial data. In global studies, this researchers, policymakers, and businesses utilize GIS in numerous fields like geography, transnational crime mapping and analysis, intelligence, and environmental and wildlife conservation. The use of GIS in other fields continues to grow. This page highlights key textbooks for using GIS as a research method and online resources for questions, tutorials, and further application. Find more research help in the Research Resources tab.
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GIS Research Methods: incorporating spatial perspectives
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Call Number: G70.212 .S74 2015ISBN: 9781589483781Publication Date: 2015This book describes and demonstrates how to incorporate GIS and spatial analysis into research design. A useful text for students considering GIS as a method for their research projects given its broad applicability to social and physical science research. -
Geographic Information Science and Systems
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Call Number: G70.212 .L658 2015ISBN: 9781118676950Publication Date: 2015This book argues that to understand today's GIS technology researchers need to understand the problem-solving science underpinning it. The authors provide an introduction to that method of thinking, helping students new to or inexperienced with GIS build a bottom-up understanding of the software, hardware, and abilities of it.
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GIS LibGuideThis LibGuide from the Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library at UIUC is the most introductory resource on this list. It gives a short introduction to what GIS is and provides several resources and activities to learn how to use the software.
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ArcGIS BlogFrom Esri-- the developer of ArcGIS software-- this blog has a wealth of case studies, frequent questions, and update discussions. This is most helpful for someone with a basic understanding of GIS who is looking to innovate on its uses for their unique research question.
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Esri GIS BibliographyThis online bibliography covers research about GIS and using GIS from its origins to present. This is a great resource to delve into critical questions about GIS's history and understand how the field has shifted over time.