Читать книгу GIS Research Methods - Steven J. Steinberg - Страница 85

In a descriptive study, the main goal of research is to catalog and observe data. A descriptive study is useful for increasing understanding about something. An example of a descriptive study using GIS might be to look at the number and geographic distribution of ethnic populations in an urban area such as New York City. The goal of such a study might be to determine spatially where these different ethnic groups are located, and why (e.g., people of Italian descent are located in Little Italy, and a majority of those of Haitian descent reside in Brooklyn). Why would a researcher want to take this approach? The value of a descriptive study is that it provides detailed information that could be used as baseline data. Baseline data include any information used to establish a primary picture or understanding of the situation under study. Figure 3.1 presents an example of baseline data related to regional wildfires.

Figure 3.1 This map of North American fire regimes shows the typical period of return for wildfire. Such a dataset could be used as a baseline dataset for studies assessing changes to the frequency of fire in different regions owing either to natural or manufactured impacts to the landscape. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station.

Descriptive research, by nature, is informational and is often used to make policy decisions, provide services, analyze crime, track diseases, or answer a wide variety of other research-related questions. For example, by tracking the occurrences of cases of West Nile virus in each county in the country using GIS, you could determine where the virus is becoming a problem, how it is moving, and when it is likely to hit next. Using this information, you could alert local public health agencies, take action to reduce mosquitoes in at-risk locations, and develop appropriate policies for treating and preventing further spread of the disease. Figure 3.2 presents a spatial perspective of West Nile virus locations based on mosquito carriers that have been tracked and recorded. Such analysis leads to a better understanding of potential virus threats to the public.

Figure 3.2 This map shows counties in New York State with mosquitoes confirmed to be carrying the West Nile virus. These data are tracked and updated on a regular basis throughout the year for all US states and territories. Data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.