GIS and Society | Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science

Our department has a long tradition of research on the social and political aspects of geospatial technologies, from critical cartography to digital geographies. This critical perspective is ever more valuable in a world where the volume and variety of geospatial data are growing exponentially. Our research specializations include feminist GIS, developing new methods of qualitative GIS, and the political and racial economy of data and digital technologies.

Faculty working in GIS and Society

Related News

Prof. Marynia Kolak and co-authors investigate opioid use disorder treatment gaps in US jails
Dr. Marynia Kolak was a co-author on a study...
Prof. Marynia Kolak among UIUC scholars conducting data-driven research on the intersection of Illinois state-funded agencies and the Native American Graves Protection Act
A project in collaboration with the Departments of Anthropology and Geography & GIS, and the American Indian Studies Program aims to determine how Native American Ancestors move through the...
Prof. Marynia Kolak discusses health risks of poor air quality in Cicero, IL
A yearlong investigation reveals the air quality in Cicero is “much worse” than in surrounding Cook County neighborhoods. The project involves sensors installed and monitored by the Cicero...
Prof. Shaowen Wang discusses GIS history and innovations with NSF
It's a busy day anywhere in the world. You roll out of bed and grab your smartphone. You check a news website or a weather app or look up directions to an appointment. Most people don't think about...
Prof. Kolak Participates in Data Decision-Making Roundtable
GGIS professor Marynia Kolak recently participated in a roundtable discussion on the importance of community engagement in data decision-making. She spoke on behalf of her...
Healthy Regions & Policies Lab Receives Grant to Support Data Discovery and Empower Community Practice
Dr. Marynia Kolak's Healthy Regions & Policies Lab was recently awarded a 2-year, $1.4 million Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant for a new social determinant of health (SDOH) data discovery...
Prof. Kolak & DePaul researchers receive NASA grant for data-driven environmental justice initiative in Chicago
A research team led by DePaul University geography faculty, in collaboration with the UIUC Department of Geography & GIS, was recently awarded a $250,000 NASA grant to collaborate with a Chicago...