GIS in Historical Research: A free one day workshop
King's College London, Strand Campus: Wenesday 24th October, 2007
Why are we having this workshop?
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are becoming increasingly used by historians, archaeologists, and others with an interest in the geographies of the past. To date take-up has been hampered by a lack of understanding of what GIS is and what it has to offer to these disciplines. This free workshop, sponsored by the ESRC’s Research Seminars Competition and hosted by the Arts and Humanities Data Service (AHDS), will provide a basic introduction to GIS both as an approach to academic study and as a technology. Its key aims are:
• To establish why the use of GIS is important in the study of history,
• To stress the key abilities offered by GIS: the capacity to integrate, analyse and visualise a wide range of data from both the social sciences and the arts and humanities,
• To show the pitfalls associated with GIS and thus encourage a more informed and subtle understanding of the technology,
• To provide a basic introduction to GIS software.
Timetable:
10:00 Welcome
10:15 Session 1: Fundamentals of GIS - What it is and why it is useful.
11:30 Coffee
11:45 Session 2: GIS in the arts and humanities: The state of the art.
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Session 3: Getting to grips with GIS.
15:15 Tea
15:30 Roundtable discussion – going further with GIS.
16:30 Close
Location:
King's College London, Strand Campus, Council Room
(map) Who should come?
The workshop is aimed at a broad audience including post-graduate or masters students, members of academic staff, curriculum and research managers, and holders of major grants and those intending to apply for major grants. Professionals in other relevant sectors interested in finding out about GIS applications are also welcome. This workshop is only intended as an introduction to GIS, so will suit novices or those who want to brush up previous experience. It will be taught entirely by lectures, people wanting hands-on software training should apply to Using GIS to research the past , University of Lancaster, 20-21 September 2007
How much will it cost?
The workshop is free of charge but we will require a £50 deposit that will be refunded when you attend the course. Lunch and refreshments are included.
The Association for History and Computing UK (AHC-UK) is offering free membership for the AHC-UK to all PhD students who attend these seminars. They will also be offering a £25 bursary towards travelling costs for one PhD student at each outreach seminar. Every PhD student who is offered a place at a seminar will automatically be considered for the bursary.
How do I apply?
Places are limited, so it is in your interests to apply early. If the workshop is over-subscribed we will select applicants on the basis of who we think will benefit most so please include a brief description of your research interests and what you think you will gain from the workshop as part of registering. This should not exceed 200 words.
Applications must be returned to AHDS History by Friday 10 August 2007.
You can apply via the downloadable booking form (rich text format or word document) which should be sent as an email attachment to Zoe Bliss
or by post to:
AHDS History, UKDA,
University of Essex,
Colchester,
Essex,
CO2 7LL
Where can I find out more?
For further information on GIS, this workshop or other Network events please visit the Historical GIS Research Network website or contact Ian Gregory at Lancaster University. For booking enquiries relating to this workshop please contact Zoe Bliss at AHDS History.
