Political aspects of geographical information technologies with examples from imperial and post-independence India

Abstract

Increasingly, digital geographical information technologies such as remote sensing and geographical information systems are being employed around the world to assist in resource management and sustainable development initiatives. It is often argued that better information will lead to better decisions. Until recently, however, relatively little attention has been paid to the politcial aspects of these technologies. The goal of this research is to examine some of the political dimensions of digital geographical information technologies in order to allow better assessment of their increasing use. Although the conclusions and recommendations are applicable to many regions of the world where these technologies are being introduced, this research derives most of its examples from India.

Since at least the early days of British imperialism, decisions regarding land use in India have been informed by various types of information, including cartographic ones. In this thesis it is argued that this information was neither neutral nor objective but rather formed political and ideological statements concerning social relations with the landscape. These statements were reflected both in the nature of the data which were collected and in the ways in which these data were presented. By examining the historical evolution of geographical information technologies in British India and attendant social and environmental impacts, the stage is set for critical speculation on the possible impacts resulting from the introduction of digital geographical information technologies such as remote sensing and geographical information systems.

This research draws heavily from the work of historical of cartography Brian Harley. Harley was interested in examining the social and political aspects of maps and cartography and his work was influenced by Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida, among others. Harley's work is extended to include consideration of the ways in which human-environment relationships are reflected and altered by geographic information technologies. This discussion of possible political and environment implications is influenced by recent literature in the areas of political ecology and the history of cartography.

It is concluded that although there are many obstacles including unequal access to the technology, unequal access to information, and issues of control over information creation, which may reinforce and intensify existing social and political inequities, there is cause for some cautious optimism about the potential beneficial outcomes of the use of these technologies. In certain circumstances, digital geographical information technologies have the potential to place more control of the cartographic process in the hands of localized agencies. By focusing upon the issue of control over geographical information creation, some of the decentralizing tendencies in the use of increasingly affordable geographical information technologies may be realized. It is argued, though, that locally beneficial results will only be achieved if these technologies can be used in a participatory decision-making environment.

Recommendations arising from this research include the following. - GIS and remote sensing practitioners need to become more critically engaged. - International development agencies need to be cognizant of the political aspects of geographical information technologies when setting policy and managing development projects. - Curricula should be developed to foster critical engagement by practitioners. - Practitioners should be encouraged to assume more activist roles. - The appropriateness of geographical information technologies in specific contexts must always be considered. - Low cost, yet effective, software and hardware that can be locally supported need to be developed.

There are many challenges and opportunities which arise from this work. The beneficial (however defined) use of geographical information technologies will require close attention to the issues raised here.