Place-Based versus People-Based Geographic Information Science

Abstract

Geographic information science and technologies are revolutionizing basic and applied science by allowing integrated holistic approaches to the analysis of geographic locations and their attributes. However, the increasing mobility and connectivity of many people in the world means that the relationships between people and place are becoming more subtle and complex, rendering a place-based perspective incomplete. This article discusses the need to move beyond a place-based perspective in geographic information science to include a people-based perspective (i.e., the individual in space and time). It reviews the theories and technologies that can support the people-based perspective and provides some example applications of the people-based perspective.