Current Issue: Number 41 (May 2019)

The purpose of this special issue is to highlight the myriad of applications of geographic information systems within the social sciences. As access to geospatial technologies continues to increase, we are seeing new forms of research that highlight how different approaches to spatial analysis can answer complex questions on topics ranging from contemporary urban policy to ancient civilizations.

The academic articles in this issue demonstrate the range of disciplines working with geospatial technologies in research projects, with contributions from Sociology, Geography, Anthropology, and Economics. This diverse range of research illustrates the unique ability of geospatial technologies to transcend disciplinary boundaries and provide insight within numerous frameworks.

The range of topics, methods, and geographies in this issue illustrate the theoretical and practical application of geospatial technologies in the social sciences. As an editorial team, we decided to supplement these articles with a collection of maps produced by Humboldt State University students. These maps illustrate archeological sites, regional geographies, terrain and landcover, and artistic expression. Our aim in curating these maps, interlaced within the articles, is to merge the analytical and visual power of geospatial technologies within the social science research.