GIS: A Science or a Tool

I had honestly never given this debate much thought. Having done a few introductory classes in GIS, the extent of my knowledge focuses on the how to. I suppose, without thinking too much about it, I have always perceived GIS as a tool that enables scientists to better deal with their data, and to perform analyses across space. This paper, like all the others made me think differently about my prior knowledge. I suppose I don’t have a strong opinion either way, but rather only had the one perception of GIS. For that reason, I think I could be swayed in either direction, given enough evidence to support the claim.

I think the idea of a continuum makes the most sense. Based on arguments from both sides, it seems that GIS can’t definitely be characterized as absolutely either. One argument for the science side was that you can’t do GIS without knowing about the rules that govern the creation of spatial modelling. It is true that this is something that is extremely important when attempting to use GIS, and yet it is something that I suppose I have taken for granted and overlooked. Additionally, when using Robinson et al. (1984) definition of science -“A logical and systematic approach to problems that seeks generalizable answers”- it only makes sense to consider GIS as a science, as it is precisely a systematic approach to the problem at hand.

They mention that GIS as a science gives it academic legitimacy. I don’t think that it needs to be called a science to be considered legitimate. Even as a tool, it is such a useful piece of equipment that allows for a much larger potential of your data set, across so many disciplines. I definitely believe that at any point along the continuum, the role of GIS in academia is validated.

In closing, I believe that GIS can be seen as anything along the tool-science continuum. Depending on the application, it could be used simply as a tool, or for a more sophisticated use in trying to advance a scientific question. I don’t think that there is a correct answer to this debate, but rather it is all about how you are using GIS for your own data.

Buzz

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