Indigenous Knowledge, Mapping, and GIS: A Diffusion of Innovation Perspective

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between Indigenous knowledge, mapping, and contemporary GIS applications. It commences with an introduction to Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledge, as well as a review of reasons why Indigenous peoples are mapping. Using a diffusion of innovation model as an organizational framework, the article then examines the adoption and use of GIS by Indigenous peoples, based on published literature as well as on the authors' fieldwork, personal observations, and experiences. Attention is drawn to research areas and issues that seem lacking or are poorly addressed. Suggestions for future inquiry to advance understanding of the relationship between high-technology mapping and the recording and communication of Indigenous knowledge are offered.

Circumpolar stakeholder perspectives on Geographic Information Systems for communicating the health impacts of development

“…Nevertheless, GIS as a communication tool presents several challenges in the circumpolar context (Eisner et al, 2012;Stewart et al, 2008). One issue is the potential imposition of technocratic perspectives aligned with certain (industry-friendly) uses of the technology, and attendant effects on community structure and authority (Chambers et al, 2004;Chapin et al, 2005;Palmer, 2012). Another substantial issue concerns resource constraints and knowledge gaps for implementing GIS in northern settlements (Brubaker et al, 2011;Chambers et al, 2004).…”

WebMapMedia: a map-based Web application for facilitating participation in spatial planning

“…GIS-based solutions have been found not only expensive, but also difficult for non-experts to use [2,6,19,23]. It has also been discovered that residents cannot easily make use of the data outside the structured workshop settings and GIS does not support conceptual stages of planning in which mainly sketches are produced [2].…”

Developing an Archetype for Integrating Native Hawaiian Traditional Knowledge with Earth System Science Education

“…While many indigenous cultures maintain their own TK, we feel that it cannot be assumed that the methods discussed in this paper can be directly applied to all. Each indigenous population possess knowledge about aspects of their spiritual and physical environments, which will vary from culture to culture (Chambers et al, 2004). It should be understood that the mental models held by an indigenous culture, which represent different aspects and interactions with a local environment, may not be transferred from one place (people) to another without some risk of losing their certainty (Poepoe et al, 2001).…”