GIS is not a traditional methodology for sociologists, but I argue that the method should fit the question. In my work, I am drawn to spatial questions, and so this course has been invaluable with respect to building the necessary skills for future research endeavors. With each new skill and concept, we were tasked with developing our own real-world applications, which allowed me to think about my discipline and its core questions in a new way. I appreciate the time and attention given to developing professional skills through this course as well, including the development of this portfolio.
Historically, I have been rather adept at learning to use new software programs. With the introductory GIS course (GIS 510) that I took in the previous semester, I adapted quickly to the ArcGIS platform which enabled me to focus more on the development of spatial problem solving skills in this course.
Geocoding proved a refresher for me as my final project in GIS 510 included a geocoding component, but in general, I believe geocoding to be a requisite elementary skill for GIS work. I feel there are a number of applications where geocoding is a necessary first step in preparing data for analysis. AutoCAD integration was another skill learned in this course. For me, I really enjoyed this assignment as I am very detail-oriented and wanted to get the best alignment possible. Here again, AutoCAD integration seems like a requisite elementary skill for GIS work as it can be a first step in preparing data for analysis. Data Cardinality, Census Data, and Linear Referencing provided opportunities for me to bolster my skills in performing tabular and spatial joins while developing basic spatial analytical skills. All three permit an analysis of spatial distributions of aggregate data in various forms. As mentioned in my portfolio, sociologists utilize census data as it provides population-level observations of demographic information. Utilizing this in a spatial analysis provides another avenue for sociological investigation of social facts.
Despite a poor first attempt performing Suitability Analysis and Weighted Overlay, I reproduced this assignment, correcting my errors, for the purpose of this portfolio. In total, I have now produced this assignment approximately five times (owing to the many errors associated with my first undertaking). However, I also find raster suitability analysis to be a marvelous skill and really enjoyed this work. Likewise, Image Classification provided another avenue for working with raster data, which I really enjoy. If I were not pursuing a PhD and seeking employment in GIS work, I would hope that most of my work would be related to raster data site selection, image classification, and AutoCAD integration.
Personally, I feel my weakest area is spatial pattern analysis. I possess the requisite statistical background to understand the statistical output, i.e. test statistics, alpha scores, confidence intervals, etc. However, I struggled with understanding the conceptual components of this work, e.g. use of distance bands. Hot spot analysis is generally easier to interpret, particularly in its mapped form, so I had less difficulty with this particular aspect. I would like to further develop these skills for future research as spatial patterns would be particularly relevant to sociological study (as previously mentioned with the Census Data above).
Overall, I feel I performed well with each of the course assignments and gained valuable skills in the process. I look forward to applying these skills and concepts in my sociological research.