ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book emphasises the utility of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for quantitative analysis, with an emphasis on learning tools and methods in an applied setting. It helps those who are experts in a variety of social science disciplines or topical areas to become conversant and capable with common GIS tools and concepts. The book shows how GIS tools open new windows of opportunity and knowledge. It covers important basic concepts that are fundamental to working with spatial data, as well as structuring and answering spatial questions in the social sciences. Across the social sciences, much GIS research leverages insight provided by just a few key spatial concepts. The list of concepts provided below is intended to illustrate a few ways in which a GIS can be used to generate spatial information: distance, density, proximity, accessibility, coverage and colocation.
