Presenter: Bo Zhao
Abstract: The talk introduces a new research perspective called “humanistic GIS” that considers the expanded category of GIS technology and its impact on the human experience. This perspective integrates existing fragmented humanism-related GIS studies and reorients the epistemological foundation. It categorizes GIS through its embodiment, hermeneutic, autonomous, and background relations with humans and places and provides an analytical structure for examining the implications of GIS. The talk also discusses Dr. Zhao’s web mapping projects inspired by this perspective, such as the global refugee atlas, the shifting LGBTQ+ urban spaces, and the Archiving the CHOP, which aims to use GIS in more empathetic ways for marginalized communities.
Bio: Bo Zhao is an associate professor at the University of Washington, Seattle, where he directs the Humanistic GIS Lab. His research focuses on the social implications of emerging GIS technologies for vulnerable populations, including refugees, LGBTQ+ communities, and Black communities affected by COVID-19. He studies how social media data is used in political struggles, such as location-spoofing by indigenous groups or reactionary groups agitating over “fake news.” His recent work on deepfake geography urges GIScientists to develop coping strategies for GeoAI in the age of “post-truth.” Zhao has been funded by NSF, National Geographic, and Samsung and is working on a research agenda around Humanistic GIS that incorporates personal experience into GIS applications.
A zoom option will be available as well: https://washington.zoom.us/j/99449207106?pwd=QktDMEJta2RJUE5hdElOK0t2WWFOdz09