Geography Will Save Humanity
GIS 2.0: How Geography, Technology, and Connectedness Will Transform Our World
Geographers explore the world through the lenses of space, connectedness, and time, examining the processes that shape phenomena and their relationships across different periods. A clear example lies in the field of geomorphology, where they investigate how features like alluvial fans or mountains are formed. They study how water moves across surfaces, the behaviors it exhibits, and the transformations it causes to the landscape over time. William Morris Davis, widely regarded as the father of American Geography, transformed the study of geology and geomorphology. His groundbreaking principles, such as geographic cycles, emphasize integrating space, time, and interconnectedness. These ideas continue to profoundly influence the way we analyze and interpret complex phenomena.
Applying these principles to build a GIS would result in a system fundamentally different from those we use today.
The intricate interconnectedness of Earth's physical features - including humans - becomes clear after just a few Geography courses. This concept lies at the very core of geography, yet GIS developers often overlook it. While the Butterfly Effect offers a simplified way to grasp this idea, its influence is evident all around us—whether you're taking a walk, listening to workplace chatter, or reading articles on climate change.
Humans began understanding and managing geography through the creation of maps. These physical representations of the Earth were as much works of art as they were organizational tools. Maps defined locations, distinguishing what belonged where, what was important, and how to define it. Cartographers established ownership and defined categories of the space by adding lines, points, and areas. Over time, these artificial divisions became the defining narrative of the map itself.
Those in power control the map.
The advent of computers revolutionized cartography by transforming traditional paper maps into digital formats. Coordinates replaced manual drawings, and layers of information—derived from the generalizations of early cartographers—were seamlessly integrated. Maps from countless sources, time periods, and purposes, even those of dubious origins, were converted into digital data. With advancements like satellite and aerial imagery, we can now capture detailed views of the Earth’s surface, while ground-penetrating radar reveals what lies beneath. These innovations not only add depth and context to maps but also expose the limitations and inaccuracies of their paper predecessors. This information is then reassembled and brought to life as web maps, shaping how we navigate and understand the world today.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are better described as Map Information Systems (MIS), as they inherit the same limitations as the paper maps they are based on. They lack two fundamental elements of geography: time and connectedness. Without these core components, GIS is little more than an advanced method of layering maps, similar to how it was done manually on light tables before computerization. The origins of GIS, rooted in landscape architecture, remain evident in its modern applications.
To truly advance, we must move beyond the constraints of traditional mapping and develop a geography-based information system that fully integrates our world's dynamic and interconnected nature.
The emergence of sensors, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing presents a transformative opportunity to create a GIS that truly reflects the complexity and brilliance of our planet. Humanity, as an integral part of this living organism we call Earth, must view itself within this interconnected system. Just as we strive to understand the microorganisms within our bodies, we must recognize and integrate our actions within the greater ecosystem of the planet. At its core, Geography examines the interplay of space, time, and connectivity.
Geography allows us to shape the outcomes of our actions thoughtfully while harnessing the innate genius of nature.
Today's GIS excels at creating, sharing, and managing mapped data, making it indispensable for governments, natural resource industries, utilities, cadastral mapping, infrastructure, and the military—fields that have long depended on maps to function effectively. These systems are focused on human activities and their benefits.
The GIS of tomorrow will go beyond this, bridging our thoughts and actions with the larger organism we are all part of—Earth. This evolution will empower us to foster a healthier, more resilient, and thriving planet. Such a system would free humanity from the constraints of artificial boundaries. Just as our own well-being improves when our bodies are in balance, humanity will thrive when the Earth is in harmony. Such a system would free humanity from the constraints of artificial boundaries and enable a new foundational model for human evolution.
The future of humanity depends on a profound understanding of our planet. While GIS holds the potential to lead this effort, it must evolve beyond its current state to fully realize this vision.