Geo-Information Science

Paper Summary:

This paper refers to a number of sub-Saharan African examples and discusses the scope of what geo-information science (GIS) has yet to offer such developing regions. It suggests that GIS is no different than any other technological innovations available to Third World countries. The paper also describes the ways in which GIS is limited by matters of application, interpretation and general human error.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Development Complications
What Remains the Same
Post-1989 Restructuring and 'Growth'
Water and the Future
Beyond Economics - Important Development Factors
Concluding Remarks

From the Paper:

" Also, geo-information science methods may be more applicable at some times in matters having little to do with development as discussed. For example, spatial information visualization techniques may be more useful, for the time being, in assessing refugee flows across national borders, as the purposes to which countries hopes to devote them and to provide but one of many examples, how does one plan development with or without GIS input for border areas of Congo now settled by refugees from Rwanda, invited and uninvited? In the case of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe's self-styled government has created a condition of relative starvation, accepted much military aid from the People's Republic of China towards an unknown but nerve-wracking political undertaking, the world waiting to know how much food aid may be permitted into the country, in the next year or so. In 2006, it was announced that with Chinese technology, Internet usage in Zimbabwe would be 'bugged' and modem use most limited on account of Mugabe's fears concerning his opposition. (BBC: 2006) Clearly, this kind of regime or overall environment does not bode well for any sort of development or studies towards future planning; earlier, like various other African regimes, Zimbabwe has forced foreign journalists and other observers and occasional NGO aid workers to leave the country."

Sample of Sources Used:

• ADB. (2004). Gender Poverty and Environmental Indicators in African Countries. Tunis: African Development Bank.
• Adeniyi, P.O. (1985). Remote Sensing Resources Development and Education in Africa - Education and Training in Contemporary Cartography. NY: Wiley & Son, 189-223.
• Ayeni, O.O. (1998). Digital Mapping and GIS Education in Developing Countries, in I.A. Ikhoria. Ed. Cartography and Geographical Information Systems for Sustainable Development. Benin: Nigerian Cartography Association, 25-36.
• Bishr, Y.A., H. Pundt et al. (1999). Probing the Concept of Information Communities - a first step towards semantic interoperability, in M.F. Goodchild et al. Eds. Interoperating Geographic Information Systems. Boston: Kluwen, 55-69.
• BBC. (2004). Tsunami devastates Somalian island of Hafun. World Service. December 29.

More papers on Geo-Information Science:

• Analytical Essay # 130384 : "Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production"
• Research Paper # 100190 : "Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production"
• Term Paper # 99466 : "Sustainable Development Strategies"

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