Making maps in Powerpoint and Word : why do regional scientists not map their results?

Cartography has commonly been used in regional science and Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis is regularly applied to visualise the distribution of the variable of interest in space. Articles often contain several maps of administrative areas showing the values of a certain variable. However, and despite the benefits of such maps, they are nothing more than spatial catalogues of data. Their usefulness for regional scientist is beyond questioning, but the communicative value is limited. The rise of GIS has rightly been welcomed by many scientists, however, critical cartographers often pose the question if ‘GIS has killed cartography?’. Moreover, this discussion about maps in regional science can be more than a trivial item since it can reveal the fear of scientists to draw a conclusion. The chorematics approach, as developed by Brunet, considers maps as ‘vitrines’, and not as catalogues. In this paper we show that such an approach can enrich regional science by delivering a methodology to visualise spatial structures and dynamics using geometric figures. Finally, we argue that powerpoint and word are better cartographic tools than common GIS packages

Regional Science Reconsidered

Because disciplines and their cores and boundaries are subject to change, a periodic introspective assessment can be useful in evaluating the relevance of a changing discipline to the equally dynamic and pressing needs of society. Similar examinations of other disciplines, notably economics, have been conducted in part as a means of minimizing the risks of declining credibility, policy relevance, and societal benefit. With the Southern Regional Science Association celebrating recently its 50th meeting, and as regional science itself approaches its 60th year, this paper provides a reexamination of the core of regional science. We consider the theoretical and methodological underpinnings and current status, the various roles played by space in various representations, and the values that guide our policy advice and recommendations. While cores and boundaries of regional science cannot be unambiguously identified, particularly due to the considerable overlap with and lineage to other disciplines, we conclude that it is precisely the interdisciplinarity of regional science that distinguishes it from other social sciences, and ensures its continued relevance

The Official Student Newspaper of UAS

UAS Answers -- UAS in Brief -- Southeast Alaska Regional Science Fair seeks judges -- Appointments, publications & workshops -- Sweet meets sour at Woosh K.’s slam -- UAS plunges into winter! -- A shortcut to mushrooms: Trips to the Kingdom fungi -- Stretching the budget: Hot dog burritos -- First Friday at the REC Spring 2013 -- Campus Calenda