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Boundary Objects and the Social Construction of GIS Technology

Author

Listed:
  • F Harvey

    (EPFL-IGEO-SIRS, GR-Ecublens, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland)

  • N Chrisman

    (Department of Geography, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98115, USA)

Abstract

The social construction of geographical information system (GIS) technology requires two-way relationships between technology and people. GIS technology, like any other technology, is more than a tool; it connects different social groups in the construction of new localized social arrangements. We examine several instances of how GIS technology involves social negotiation by using a construct of boundary objects developed in a social constructivist framework. Much like geographic boundaries, boundary objects separate different social groups at the same time that they delineate important points of reference between them. Boundary objects stabilize relationships through the negotiation of flexible and dynamic coherences. The negotiation of differences between different groups is fundamental to the construction of GIS technology. Social-constructivist theories and the concept of boundary objects open new ways to understand the relationships between technology and people. We illustrate the application of boundary object theory through studies of the use of GIS data standards and the definition of wetlands.

Suggested Citation

  • F Harvey & N Chrisman, 1998. "Boundary Objects and the Social Construction of GIS Technology," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 30(9), pages 1683-1694, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:30:y:1998:i:9:p:1683-1694
    DOI: 10.1068/a301683
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    Cited by:

    1. Kimble, Chris & Grenier, Corinne & Goglio-Primard, Karine, 2010. "Innovation and knowledge sharing across professional boundaries: Political interplay between boundary objects and brokers," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 30(5), pages 437-444.
    2. Flurina M. Wartmann & Ross S. Purves, 2017. "What’s (Not) on the Map: Landscape Features from Participatory Sketch Mapping Differ from Local Categories Used in Language," Land, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-16, November.
    3. Keshkamat, S.S. & Kooiman, A. & van Maarseveen, M.F.A.M. & der Veen, A. van & Zuidgeest, M.H.P., 2012. "A boundary object for scale selection — Moderating differences and synergising understanding," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 15-24.
    4. James Griffiths & William Dushenko, 2011. "Effectiveness of GIS suitability mapping in predicting ecological impacts of proposed wind farm development on Aristazabal Island, BC," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 13(6), pages 957-991, December.
    5. Jessica Goldberger, 2008. "Non-governmental organizations, strategic bridge building, and the “scientization” of organic agriculture in Kenya," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 25(2), pages 271-289, June.
    6. Paul Upham, 2000. "Scientific consensus on sustainability: the case of The Natural Step," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 8(4), pages 180-190.
    7. Hassan, M. Manzurul, 2005. "Arsenic poisoning in Bangladesh: spatial mitigation planning with GIS and public participation," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(3), pages 247-260, November.

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