GIS and Geospatial Approaches for Political Science Studies: Urban Development Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36777/jag2024.3.1.2Keywords:
geographic information system, political science, urban developmentAbstract
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful tool for collecting, organising, analysing, interpreting, and visualising spatially referenced data. Geospatial approaches involve the acquisition, integration, processing, analysis, and visualisation of spatial information derived from various sources, including satellite imagery, Global Positioning System (GPS) data, aerial photographs, and historical records. This data can be integrated with geographic models and spatial coordinates to examine the relationships and patterns associated with specific locations. In the context of political science and urban studies, GIS and geospatial approaches can be used to examine spatial patterns of governance, political actors, political discourse, public policy, and interactions among political institutions and social groups. In recent years, political scientists have increasingly incorporated GIS into quantitative and spatial analyses to investigate the geographical dimensions of political, social, and urban processes. In this study, GIS and geospatial techniques are employed to support urban development analysis by integrating spatial and socioeconomic information. The use of GIS provides a systematic framework for developing a permanent and readily updateable spatial database in which diverse datasets can be stored, integrated, analysed, and graphically visualised. This capability makes GIS particularly useful for analysing complex and multidimensional processes. By enabling researchers to identify spatial relationships and patterns that may not be readily apparent through conventional analytical approaches, GIS can provide valuable insights into historical, political, social, and urban development processes. Consequently, the integration of GIS and geospatial methods can enhance evidence-based analysis and support more informed decision-making in urban planning and development.
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