Joseph K. Berry
Visiting Scholar in Geosciences, Geography, University
of Denver and Principal, Berry & Associates.
Moving Beyond Mapping to Spatial Thinking
and Communicating: Spatial Reasoning
in a World of Maps Spatial
considerations are fundamental to most
human endeavors. The world we live in
surrounds us with opportunities and challenges
that are spatially dependent on “Where
is What” tempered by “Why
and So What” within cognitive contexts.
In just three decades, GIS technology
has radically changed our perspective
on both what constitutes a map and what
information it contains. Historically,
maps emphasized accurate location of
physical features; however modern maps
have evolved from guides of physical
space into systems for exploring spatial
relationships and their implications.
This transition from drafted paper maps
(analog) involving pens, rulers, shading
and stippling to computer-based mapped
data (digital) involving geo-query, intersection,
address matching and map-ematics has
spawned entirely new ways of conceptualizing
and characterizing geographic space needed
for effective decision-making. This new
perspective marks a turning point in
the use of maps— from one emphasizing
physical descriptions of geographic space,
to one of interpreting mapped data and
successfully communicating influences
of spatially based factors. This address
investigates the context, conditions
and forces driving the transition from
maps to mapped data, spatial analysis
and beyond.
Bio:
Joseph K. Berry is a leading consultant
and educator in the application of Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) technology.
He is the principal of BASIS, consultants
and software developers in GIS technology
and the author of the “Beyond Mapping” column
for GeoWorld magazine for over twelve
years. He has written more than two hundred
papers on the theory and application
of map analysis techniques, and is the
author of the popular books Beyond Mapping
and Spatial Reasoning. Since 1976, he
has presented college courses and professional
workshops on geospatial technology to
thousands of individuals from a wide
variety of disciplines. Dr. Berry conducted
basic research and taught courses in
GIS for twelve years at Yale University's
Graduate School of Forestry and Environmental
Studies, and is currently the W. M. Keck
Visiting Scholar in Geosciences at the
University of Denver and a Special Faculty
member at Colorado State University.
He holds a B.S. degree in forestry from
the University of California, Berkeley,
a M.S. in business management and a Ph.D.
emphasizing remote sensing and land use
planning from Colorado State University.
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