Before I endeavor to attempt to explain the connections I made this week, I want to take a moment and remember Mapquest: printed sheets with turn-by-turn directions B.G. (Before Google) and the proliferation of mobile-based navigation applications. *sigh.
Per usual, I jump from site to site when doing my readings online or on an electronic device. I always mean to disconnect from the internet but it never pans out. One of the advantages, and disadvantages I suppose, is that I could explore sites that are referenced in the readings. In doing so this week, I stumbled upon a site that suits this week’s theme and my team’s research topic: Phototrails.
Phototrails is committed to the exploration of “Cultural Analytics” which visualize patterns from Instagram photo uploads over space and time, which is what Ian Gregory mentions in his chapter, “Using Geographical Information Systems to Explore Space and Time in the Humanities.” The large visual datasets aim to explain cultural rhythms and patterns in select cities such as, New York, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, over the course of three months. What is neat are the relationships drawn from morning, afternoon, and evening uploads from 289 active users. (To aid this statement, please click here for the visual I am referring to.) The utilization of advanced GIS Phototrails employs allows us to see operations in the Humanities continuing to narrate a story of scientific inquiry. Furthermore, the results drawn from the rhythms and patterns invite further research on the social impacts social media, specifically photo based-apps, have on users. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t this answer to Gregory’s question(s), rather the ones posed from critics in which he outlines.
When I read Gregory’s chapter, I was intrigued by two lines: “To date, however, this has proved highly problematic in the humanities. A major reason for this is simply the complexity of handling large datasets that contain both a spatial and temporal component” (136). Gregory highlights the challenges the Humanities encounter when integrating Geographic Information Systems into their academic research. From what he mentions above, it seems as though Phototrails allays the “problem” with its work. Furthermore, Gregory adds, “most studies in the Humanities focus on either time or space but rarely on both of them together” (140). If I read his chapter correctly, which I might have missed the point, Gregory acknowledges the problems basic GIS software have when adopted by inquires from the Humanities. Additionally, he also recognizes the trajectory and interest in technologies paving the way for time and space working in concert with the Humanities.
Gregory concludes in what I call a bridge to Phototrails by foreshadowing the integration of time and space in GIS models. It is as if they are speaking to one another across time and space.