Geographical Information Systems (GIS) offer the social
scientist an array of tools for generating, manipulating, and visualising
spatial data. This course covers practical GIS techniques for the social scientist and leads on to show how these tools can be combined with more
advanced analysis to augment and enhance social science research. Through
applied coursework and discussions, the course will be built around applied spatial
questions using real-world data. It covers the techniques and methods of GIS, with
a focus on practical skills and will make use of desktop software, introduce
the use of GIS tools in QGIS and R. it will also introduce data extraction from
online geographical services such as google maps. Attention will be given to a
critical reflection upon the nature of the data used, encouraging students to
go beyond traditional data use, and think about the role of the spatial data scientist
in selecting and developing evidence to support policymaking and practice. Examples of literature with
applications in economic geography, environment, planning and other spatial
social science will be provided for self-study. Readings are intended to develop a sound
understanding of how real-world (geo)data are produced, their potential insights
and biases, as well as opportunities and limitations.