540
Views
11
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
JGHE Symposium: Geography and Geographical Information Science in Interdisciplinary Research

A Preliminary Investigation into the Challenges of Learning GIS in Interdisciplinary Research

&
Pages 226-236 | Received 15 Jul 2013, Accepted 25 May 2014, Published online: 19 Sep 2014
 

Abstract

A geographic information system (GIS) can be a valuable research tool, helping scientists understand location and bridge the gaps between subjects in interdisciplinary research (IDR), which has been promoted for its real-world solutions. However, a GIS can be difficult to use and may require understanding of a number of concepts as well as tools and technology. This complexity is compounded by additional challenges commonly encountered in IDR. This paper examines some of the challenges facing learners of GIS in IDR projects, with a particular focus on the appropriateness of current teaching methods in this context.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the members of Team A, who have contributed to this research. Their input has proved invaluable in highlighting the challenges faced when using GIS in IDR.

Notes

1. A number of tasks (such as extensive line data capture and editing, building map creation and analytical process chaining) were undertaken by the GIS experts within the team and are not relevant to this study, as the focus of this research is on tasks requiring specific learning activities by non-GIS experts.

2.http://www.mapinfo.com/

3.http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcgis-for-desktop

4.http://www.qgis.org/en/site/

5.http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcreader

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.