Geo-cybernetics: A New Avenue of Research in Geomatics?

Abstract

The term “geomatics” has existed in the literature for more than a decade, but an overall consensus on the definition of this emerging discipline has not yet been found. The knowledge domain of geomatics has developed in the “interaction space” among converging disciplines (e.g., geographic information systems, cartography, remote sensing, geodesy, and photogrammetry), but its borders are “complex and fuzzy.” Taking cybernetics, both classic and second order, general systems theory, modelling, and complexity as basic building blocks, the research group at CentroGeo is conducting empirical and theoretical work on three main avenues of research: (1) cybercartography, (2) complex solutions in geomatics, and (3) collective mental maps. Recent research results on cybercartography have indicated the value of building a comprehensive theoretical framework that would combine the essence of these three research avenues as a body of knowledge and add to the base of knowledge on geomatics. This article discusses the cybernetic nature of these three research avenues from a theoretical perspective and points to possible areas for further research. In so doing, the authors illustrate the benefits of taking a fresh look at the linkages between cybernetics and geomatics and identify the main elements required to develop a theoretical framework for the concept of geo-cybernetics.