As a geographer and native of the Gulf Coast, I’m constantly seeking new information and prospective on the world around me. I have a passion for local ecology, culture, experience, and technology—Geospatial Science is the place where all those intersect for me. I’m excited to share 5 books that I either read or listened to in 2022 that I’ve found to be thought-provoking and relevant to GIS and/or Alabama.
I came across this book while on a data and literature hunt for a GIS analysis that revolved around building a habitat suitability model for prioritizing oyster reef restoration sites on the Gulf Coast. I knew that I had to read (/listen) to it immediately.
It’s a revealing book that provides a geographically informed perspective on the complex and multifaceted issues surrounding seafood production and consumption in the United States. Touching on the environmental impacts (overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, etc.) as well as various cultural dimensions (traditions of fishing communities, consumer trends, etc) of the seafood industry make this book relevant to physical, cultural, and economic geographers.
The ability to tell the story of a project or data product is an important but often overlooked skill for a GIS professional hone. I’m often required to boil down a complex analysis in such a way the public can understand and interpret the result—a need for good story telling.
Although this book isn’t geared specifically towards the GIS community, I’ve found that it’s insight to story structure, character development, as well as conflict and resolution are relevant. I've found the material presented in this book to be especially useful when planning out a web map or application—ahem, Story Map—to communicate the importance of our work or to inspire community engagement.
I picked this book up at the Esri UC as a quick read on my flight home. We always hear that GIS has a use in every industry. The real-life case studies on using geospatial technology for hazard preparedness, response, and recovery presented really hit close to home as the first chapter discusses the Tuscaloosa County EMA tornado warning system.
Spoiler Alert: GISAA Secretary, Jeannette Byrd, makes an appearance.
This book really made me start thinking about a potential GISAA Event geared towards preparedness. Anyone interested?
Back along the lines of presenting data and telling stories, this text explores the cultural evolution of infographics and data visualization. The author identifies historical phases of infographics in popular culture and examines their use in ideological and professional purposes.
Murray Dick also offers best practices for communicating with infographics. Overall, the text highlights the important role that infographics and data visualization play in communication and understanding of geographical information.
The Gulf is fantastic and reads more like a novel than a dense environmental history textbook. Jack Davis explores the deep human connection to the Gulf Coast exploring the distinct physical and cultural characteristics of the region including the development of industry, agricultural, and tourism. With geological, anthropological, and biological evidence, Davis provides a suggestion that a thorough understanding of the human impact on the Gulf Coast will inform a path forward for the entire country.
What do I need to add to the list for 2023?
-JQ
