Geospatial Methods for Humanities Research

Facilitated by Dr Ian Gregory (Lancaster University) and Dr Charles Travis (Trinity College Dublin)

This workshop will provide scholars with an opportunity to gain rapid familiarity with adding a geospatial dimension to their research. It is geared towards attendees with little or no experience in working with geospatial data, using geospatial visualisation for analysis or adding georeferencing to existing data. At the conclusion of this workshop participants will be familiar with the tools and methods available to augment existing datasets; manipulate and present geospatial data; and conduct analysis of data from a geospatial perspective.

Agenda
Requirements

Suggested Reading

A MSWord file with of the recommended reading list is available.

Agenda

9:30-10:45: Fundamentals of GIS - What it is and why it is useful



1. Geographical Thought in the Humanities (CT) –  The Spatial Turn in the Humanities / A Very Brief History of Geographical Thought / Relevance of Geographical Information Systems (GIS)  for Digital Humanities
2. What is GIS? (IG) – A brief introduction to basic GIS concepts. 

[PPT Slides]

11:00-12:30: GIS in Practice



1. GIS software and data (IG) – A basic introduction to GIS software [PPT Slides]
2. Case study 1 (CT) – ‘ABSTRACT MACHINE’ GIS for Historical, Literary and Cultural Studies
3. Case study 2 (IG) – Lake District literature: An example of humanities GIS [Case Study PPT Slides]

12:30 - 13:45 Lunch

13:45-15:30: Practical Exercise with Google Earth

* Time permitting, other online geospatial applications may be explored. Students who wish to merely observe the exercise,  are welcome to do so.

 Link To Exercise Resourse

16:00-17:30: Coffee and Consultations


Students can sign up to discuss geospatial methods applications and best practices for their own work with subject matter experts. A sign-up sheet will be made available at the beginning of the day.

Requirements

The facilitators of this workshop ask that attendees who wish to perform the exercise download and install a copy of Google Earth to their laptops prior to the Summer School. You will find Google Earth available for download here (http://earth.google.com). Please also signup for a Google Account if you do not already have one at Google Docs (http://docs.google.com).

This workshop will have a number of hands-on components and we will be providing internet access for attendees so that you can complete the exercises. Please ensure that your laptop has wireless capabilities.