Using Geotagged Digital Social Data in Geographic Research

Pre-publication version of chapter submitted to: Key Methods in Geography., eds. N. Clifford, S. French, M. Cope, and S. Gillespie. Forthcoming

17 Pages Posted: 25 Oct 2014

See all articles by Ate Poorthuis

Ate Poorthuis

Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

Matthew Zook

University of Kentucky

Taylor Shelton

Mississippi State University

Mark Graham

University of Oxford - Oxford Internet Institute

Monica Stephens

Department of Geography

Date Written: October 23, 2014

Abstract

This chapter outlines how one might utilize the massive amounts of web-based, geographically-referenced digital social data for geographical research. Because much of these data are user-generated and produced through social media platforms, we also focus on the pitfalls associated with such sources and the benefits of a mixed methods approach to these data. Not only can digital social data be mapped for visual analysis, it is also useful to use a range of quantitative methods to understand relationships between different subsets of the data. In addition, closer, systematic readings via qualitative methods of social data provides insights of particular people’s perceptions and experiences of the world around them. Thus, while making maps is often the starting point for geographers working with this kind of research, it is rarely the end point.

Keywords: big data, methodology, geoweb, social media, GIS

Suggested Citation

Poorthuis, Ate and Zook, Matthew and Shelton, Taylor and Graham, Mark and Stephens, Monica, Using Geotagged Digital Social Data in Geographic Research (October 23, 2014). Pre-publication version of chapter submitted to: Key Methods in Geography., eds. N. Clifford, S. French, M. Cope, and S. Gillespie. Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2513938

Ate Poorthuis (Contact Author)

Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) ( email )

8 Somapah Road
Singapore, 487372
Singapore

Matthew Zook

University of Kentucky ( email )

Lexington, KY 40506
United States

Taylor Shelton

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS 39762
United States

Mark Graham

University of Oxford - Oxford Internet Institute ( email )

1 St. Giles
University of Oxford
Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3JS
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://www.geospace.co.uk

Monica Stephens

Department of Geography ( email )

123 Wilkeson Quad
Department of Geography
Buffalo, NY 14216
United States

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