Читать книгу GIS Research Methods - Steven J. Steinberg - Страница 43

We research because we want to understand a situation or issue in order to act on it or make a decision about it. Policy describes methods, laws, or courses of actions used to make decisions about something. To understand a problem or issue enough to make a policy about it, it is useful to think holistically. GIS allows you to do this by giving you the ability to integrate multiple data forms. GIS facilitates data analysis that moves beyond the silo approach, wherein researchers consider a topic within its own context and fail to consider multiple contexts. It is common for people to develop a research project or study based on one method. GIS is useful in developing a larger, more overarching perspective because it facilitates examining multiple layers of information. GIS gives you the ability to adopt macro- and micro-level perspectives simultaneously. Many aspects of research involve moving toward or identifying a holistic or synergistic (meaning the whole is greater than the sum of the parts) understanding of a particular research question.