ABSTRACT
This chapter draws on basic concepts in quantum mechanics and earlier discussions on their potential applications in geography and GIScience to espouse a quantum turn in geospatial technologies and society. It explores how concepts, methods, and understandings from quantum physics and emerging quantum computing and communication technologies can be translated into addressing fundamental issues posed by the accelerated penetration of geospatial technologies in society. Unlike the earlier cartographic, analytical, computational, cognitive, and critical turns in GIS, the proposed quantum turn provides a more robust and holistic perspective for the geospatial community to rethink ontological, epistemological, methodological, and ethical issues related to applications of geospatial technologies in society. Distinctly different from previous paradigms, the quantum turn addresses head-on deep ontological and epistemological questions about what is really real, and how we know what we know. This chapter will also explore the methodological and ethical implications of the emerging quantum turn for a better understanding of the social impacts of geospatial technologies. Quantum concepts such as complementarity, superposition, entanglement, and uncertainty provide a strong basis for recognizing and positioning people (as opposed to technology) at the core, as both problems and solutions facing humanity today.
