Integrating Geographic Information into Survey Research: Current Applications, Challenges and Future Avenues

Authors

  • Matthias Bluemke GESIS Mannheim - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences
  • Bernd Resch 1. Z_GIS, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria 2. Center for Geographic Analysis, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
  • Clemens Lechner GESIS Mannheim & Center for Applied Developmental Science (CADS), University of Jena, Germany
  • René Westerholt Heidelberg University, Germany
  • Jan-Philipp Kolb GESIS Mannheim - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18148/srm/2017.v11i3.6733

Keywords:

GIScience, GIS tools, socioecological psychology, wearables, social media

Abstract

Geographic information science (GIScience) offers survey researchers a plethora of rapidly evolving research strategies and tools for data acquisition and analysis. However, the potential for incorporating geographic information systems (GIS) tools into traditional survey research has not yet been fully appreciated by survey researchers. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances and challenges in leveraging this potential. First, we present state-of-the-art applications of GIS tools in traditional survey research, drawing mainly on examples from psychological survey research (e.g., socioecological psychology). We also discuss innovative GIS tools (e.g., wearables) and GIScience methods (e.g., citizen sensing) that expand the scope of traditional surveys. Second, we highlight a number of challenges and problems (e.g., choice of spatial scale, statistical issues, privacy concerns) and - where possible - suggest remedies. With increasing awareness of the potential that GIS tools hold for survey research, and intensified dialogue between researchers from both sides, more fruitful collaboration appears within reach.

Author Biographies

Matthias Bluemke, GESIS Mannheim - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences

Survey Design and Methodology (Senior Researcher)

Bernd Resch, 1. Z_GIS, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria 2. Center for Geographic Analysis, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA

Department of Geoinformatics (Assistant Professor)

Clemens Lechner, GESIS Mannheim & Center for Applied Developmental Science (CADS), University of Jena, Germany

Survey Design & Methodology (Senior Researcher)

René Westerholt, Heidelberg University, Germany

GIScience Research Group, Institute of Geography (MSc)

Jan-Philipp Kolb, GESIS Mannheim - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences

Survey Design and Methodology (Research Associate)

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Published

2017-10-20

How to Cite

Bluemke, M., Resch, B., Lechner, C., Westerholt, R., & Kolb, J.-P. (2017). Integrating Geographic Information into Survey Research: Current Applications, Challenges and Future Avenues. Survey Research Methods, 11(3), 307–327. https://doi.org/10.18148/srm/2017.v11i3.6733

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