Introduction
The first lecture in the course introduced me to our three main GIS research disciplines: landscape ecology, health geography, and crime analysis. We are introduced to the idea that these varying concepts are brought together by ideas surrounding patterns, processes, people, places, and perspectives. We will be taught to consider how GIS helps to meld the collection of spatial data with scientific analysis.
Why is Geography Important?
In this lecture, the role of geography in different scientific disciplines is explored. Important considerations and issues in spatial analysis are discussed, namely the Multiple Areal Unit Problem (MAUP). The importance of the scale, grain, and extent of a study area are also discussed.
Understanding Landscape Metrics: Patterns and Processes
This class introduced the first of our three main research disciplines: landscape ecology. The two-way relationship between processes and form in nature are discussed. The different ways in which biotic and abiotic processes affect and are affected by the landscape in its different forms are explored.
What is Health Geography?
The development of modern health geography from what was formerly known as medical geography is presented. We are introduced to the principle ideas of how geography and health are intrinsically linked, but also the different trains of thought and perspectives that lead to our understanding of "health geography" today.
GIS in Health Geography
This lecture expands on the details defining health geography and the different applications of GIS in this field of study. Examples such as spatial epidemiology, environmental hazards, modeling health services, and identifying health inequalities are given in-depth examination.