The purpose of this volume is to provide a review and analysis of the theory, research, and practice related to geospatial technologies in social studies education. In the first section, the history of geospatial technologies in education, the influence of the standards movement, and the growth of an international geospatial education community are explored. The second section consists of examples and discussion of the use of geospatial technologies for teaching and learning history, geography, civics, economics, and environmental science. In the third section, theoretical perspectives are proposed that could guide research and practice in this field. This section also includes reviews and critiques of recent research relevant to geospatial technologies in education. The final section examines the theory, research, and practice associated with teacher preparation for using geospatial technologies in education.

This book draws on author’s wealth of knowledge working on numerous projects across many countries. It provides a clear overview of the development of the SDI concept and SDI worldwide implementation and brings a logical chronological approach to the linkage of GIS technology with SDI enabling data. The theory and practice approach help understand that SDI development and implementation is very much a social process of learning by doing. The author masterfully selects main historical developments and updates them with an analytical perspective promoting informed and responsible use of geographic information and geospatial technologies for the benefit of society from local to global scales. Features Subject matter spans thirty years of the development of GIS and SDI. Brings a social science perspective into GIS and SDI debates that have been largely dominated by technical considerations. Based on a world-wide perspective as a result of the author's experience and research in the USA, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Peru, China, India, Korea, Malaysia, and Japan as well as most European countries. Draws upon professional and academic experience relating to pioneering UK and European GIS research initiatives. Includes updated historical material with an analytical perspective explaining what was done right, and what didn't work.

The contributors to this edited collection demonstrate that geographic information research is truly global in character, cutting across a wide range of disciplines and addressing conceptual, methodological, technical, ethical and political issues alike. Of the six themes, two are broadly concerned with data integration (geographic data infrastructures, GIS diffusion and implementation); two are more technical and conceptual in nature (generalisation, concepts and paradigms), and two reflect to a larger extent the application-driven nature of GIS technology (spatial analysis and multimedia). Each section is introduced by chapters highlighting the key research issues. Further chapters explore these issues in greater depth, and benefit from the international collaboration. Through the comparison of results included in this book, the prospects for advancing the field and addressing the challenges of GIS research are greatly improved.

This Handbook is an essential reference and a guide to the rapidly expanding field of Geographic Information Science. Designed for students and researchers who want an in-depth treatment of the subject, including background information Comprises around 40 substantial essays, each written by a recognized expert in a particular area Covers the full spectrum of research in GIS Surveys the increasing number of applications of GIS Predicts how GIS is likely to evolve in the near future

In placing these questions at the heart of their book, the authors set out to stimulate and contribute to the great debate: despite the enormous growth in the acquistion of GIS technology by business and government, little is known about the impact this leading- edge technology is having. Using case studies in a local government context, this book explores the performance of GIS in practice on the premise that any technology-led innovation will only "work" if the proper organizational and management support, infrastructure and culture exist. In doing so the authors draw on the experiences from organizational theory and management science in their quest to cast light on the processes influencing the implementation of technologies such as GIS.

This book aims to offer research at the cutting edge. The individual chapters are fully revised and updated versions of contributions to the first focused scientific symposium on research in geographic information systems GISRUK. The book provides the reader with a comprehensive outline of the full range and diversity of innovative research program

Modern geographic information systems technology has transformed spatial data handling capabilities and made it necessary for governments to rethink their roles with respect to the supply and availability of geographic information.; The nature of the relationship between governments and geographic information is explored in this book from a number of different conceptual positions with reference to the experiences of Britain, the Netherlands, Austria and the United States and particularly with respect to the development of national geographic information strategies.; The book examines the role that can be played both directly through a variety of policy initiatives and also indirectly because of the extent to which they create the broader institutional context within which these are developed and implemented. The discussion is divided into three main parts. The first of these considers what is Special About Geographic Information And Evaluates The Notion Of geographic information from four different standpoints - as a resource, a commodity, an asset and an infrastructure.; The second part presents the findings from four case studies of national geographic information strategies, while the final section evaluates these experiences with a view to identifying what general lessons can be learnt from them.