GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN STUDYING THE HISTORY OF SOCIAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC PHENOMENA: HISTORIOGRAPHY ASPECT
M.V. Rygalova
Altai State University, 61, Lenin Str., Barnaul, Russia, 656049
Keywords: historiography, geographic information systems (GIS), spatial and geographic analysis, computational methods, map, mass sources, population census, demography, occupational studies, migration
Abstract
In contemporary historical science there is a visible trend to interdisciplinary cooperation and use of new modern approaches and directions. One of these approaches envisages the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in historical research. GIS are used in studies where spatial reference can be defined. This, in turn, determines the choice of main areas of application of these technologies for the study of geographic characteristics of objects in space. One such area is socio-demographic. Analysis of socio-demographic aspects of historical development is always a matter of topical interest, as it allows to reflect the current status and future population trends that form the territory image. Migration studies became one of the most popular lines of research in foreign and domestic historiography of GIS. Migrations are affected by various factors associated with social, economic, political, and professional interests. All these topics are reflected in the GIS-related research projects. GIS can be also used as an analytical instrument that reflects the space-time interdependence, correlation of factors affecting the natural changes of population and migration. The use of GIS technologies stimulates adoption of new sources. Mass sources with identical structure just perfectly fit into GIS format. For the most part such sources contain information about socio-demographic characteristics. In addition to concrete historical projects that focus on demographic aspects in a spatial context, GIS-related projects are implemented in the field of professional interests and professional reorientation of the population. Analysis of professional activities of population along with processes, influencing the change of professional statuses and structure of employment is closely connected with the study of migration flows. It is exemplified by the works written by S.Gruber who studied the professional migrations in Albania at the beginning of the XX century. The spatial analysis establishes geographical patterns of population change, relationships between the level of literacy, housing, and professional migrations.
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