Introduction: Why Geospatial thinking and Open Source GIS
Research methods are currently changing rapidly and will continue to change even more so as generative artificial intelligence (AI) further develops. Regardless of AI’s progressive integration into geospatial research, it is still essential for humans to understand the fundamental geospatial principles, data, and functions. Otherwise, we will not be able to interpret or evaluate results.
The goal of this book is to provide a flexible, open, and timeless resource for geospatial thinking, and to open-source GIS. However, as I typed that, it became out of date.
What do I mean by flexible? In teaching, I take a problem-based approach with scaffolded topics and skills which increase in complexity as the class moves on. However, I also love all things modular, so by flexible I mean I want it to grow in complexity but also want each lesson to stand alone if teachers/learners want to focus on a given area.
What do I mean by open? It is my intention to use open tools, open data, and open materials to the greatest extent possible. Because some great research and scholarship have been published behind the wall, I’m going to reference those fine folks and cite them. Obviously if you have made it this far you realize you’re reading (are you reading?) an open textbook and if you find anything useful, I encourage you to reuse it too.
What do I mean by timeless? To the greatest extent possible, I hope to develop the text focused on key principles and skills which persist even if software versions and datasets require updates. Although I believe this is a worthwhile effort, it’s not possible to predict what our rapidly changing technology will bring, especially given the generative AI renaissance, which is likely to impact how we work geospatially. And although I truly believe learning geodesy concepts never go out of style, I also hope something useful persists from the exercises. In any case, because it’s open and extensible, it can be reshaped at any time.
What’s the difference between spatial thinking and geospatial thinking? These terms are often used interchangeably. Spatial thinking can refer to objects with multiple dimensions but are not necessarily tied to geography. Geospatial is intrinsically geographic.
