Question-Answer patterns in GIS: Semantic analysis of geo-analytical questions in Human Geography

Abstract

This research aims to find common patterns in the answering of geo-analytical questions by creating scenarios and conducting an exploratory data analysis on the corresponding workflows and the GIS tools used in those workflows. The analyses were based on 27 geo-analytical questions with corresponding workflows, all in line with the Human Geography scenario ‘livability and health of residents in Amsterdam’. Several exploratory analyses were performed in order to find patterns in geo-analytical questions and workflows in parallel. By building upon the findings in this thesis, a universal basis for asking spatial questions in a systematic manner and automatically retrieving the resources necessary to answer them will be one step closer. This thesis ends with theoretical and practical implications for the next steps in this line of expertise.