The open black box: The role of the end-user in GIS integration

Canadian Geographer
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Abstract

Formalist theories of knowledge that underpin GIS scholarship on integration neglect the importance and creativity of end-users in knowledge construction. This has practical consequences for the success of large distributed databases that contribute to spatial-data infrastructures. Spatial-data infrastructures depend on participation at local levels, such as counties and watersheds, and they must be developed to support feedback from local users. Looking carefully at the work of scientists in a watershed in Puget Sound, Washington, USA during the salmon crisis reveals that the work of these end-users articulates different worlds of knowledge. This view of the user is consonant with recent work in science and technology studies and research into computer-supported cooperative work. GIS theory will be enhanced when it makes room for these users and supports their practical work. ?? / Canadian Association of Geographers.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The open black box: The role of the end-user in GIS integration
Series title Canadian Geographer
DOI 10.1111/1541-0064.02e13
Volume 47
Issue 1
Year Published 2003
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Canadian Geographer
First page 62
Last page 74
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