Reorienting GIScience for a data-intensive society

Abstract

In this commentary, I explore the potential future for GIScience to broaden its focus from technological advancements to examining the dynamic interactions between geographic information system (GIS) technology, its users, and the places where it is being utilized. Drawing on the postphenomenological perspectives of Don Ihde and his followers, this commentary reimagines GIScience by emphasizing its ability to shape and be shaped by human experiences and various creative forces across bodies and places. This reorientation decenters GIScience beyond the human body by also encompassing non-human entities such as animals, bots, and algorithms. In the face of a rapidly growing data-intensive society, this commentary underlines the importance of adopting a caring stance when it comes to the use and development of GIS. This perspective of care can enhance our understanding and empathy toward ourselves, the planet, and all other beings. This reorientation of GIScience plays a significant role in shaping future trajectories of GIScience and the discipline of geography, enabling us to effectively tackle the theoretical and practical challenges posed by a rapidly evolving data-intensive society.