Seminar Series 2003

Paper Title: Geographic Information Systems: An Exploration in Humanities Research for Asia-Pacific Studies

Speaker: Caverlee Cary, Academic Coordinator, Geographic Information Science Center, UC Berkeley

Abstract: Geographic Information Systems are powerful tools for linking spatial information to related information of all kinds. GIS, which are databases with a spatial component, can bring together information from multiple sources on a common interface. GIS are traditionally used in such as natural resource management and urban infrastructure. In the humanities, archaeologists have discovered the usefulness of GIS in their work. Pioneering efforts are also applying GIS information management strategies to cultural heritage management, education, and academic research. This presentation illustrates one approach to the use of GIS for the integration of Asia-Pacific data and the visualization of varied datasets on a common map interface.

For humanities scholars, GIS offer great potential and daunting obstacles. This presentation offers one approach to adapting GIS for Asia-Pacific studies. Based on the methodology developed by the Electronic Cultural Atlas Initiative (ECAI), data from archaeology, art history, economic history, and other fields are visualized on a map-based interface together with contextual geographic and political data. The customized ECAI GIS enables the visualization of time as well as place. This presentation demonstrates the mapping of data layers catalogued by time and location, and the linking of spatial footprints to image, text, video, audio, or any resources that can be served in a digital environment. Because GIS maps are drawn directly from a database, any updates and additions to the data can be immediately visualized, disseminated, and made available to the scholarly community.

Audio/Visual Equipment required: PC with CD, LCD PROJECTOR, screen. Internet access desirable; not required.