How do you think about GIS subject?
In my perspective, Geographic information science (GIS) is a classic interdisciplinary, which addresses the practical geographic problems by using computer technologies or methods. I consider such as math, computer, and statistic as upstream method subjects, urban planning, human-geography, and environment as downstream application discipline, GIS as a tool discipline.
In the past time, or before I went to pursue my doctor degree, I thought GIS scholars should focus more on the innovation of methodology, since it made more sense and looked more fancy, and I took it for granted that researchers should solve more difficult problems. With regard wo application discipline, I also thought it was indispensable. However, in my opinion, researchers should apply some methods to find some interesting or meaningful insights rather than applied the same methods to distinct regions or areas to conclude some roughly same but little different rules.
Recently, I change my minds, I think it is equally important whether it is upstream or downstream discipline. As for upstream, researchers devote themselves to making innovations in methodology, creating or applying a new approach based on some powerful models in other filed, eg. proposing and continuously improving GWR model, applying Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) Algorithm into Geography. With regard to downstream, scholars concentrate on utilizing the tool properties of GIS to address scientific questions in the field of human-geography and urban. The key point is to find insights, to give support or implications to other filed. Finally, in terms of the tool properties of GIS, we can develop and improve continuously some tools to serve other subject. It focuses more on engineering and coding capabilities.
In general, I hold a view that both three directions of GIS field are neither good or bad, meaningful or worthless.
How could you determine the title of your phd dissertation?
Ways
Determined by advisor
Advisor divide the project which is from his or her phd period into some small tasks (especially youth teacher)
In this case, the feasibility is ok, also, you advisor can give you adequate advice.
Advisor give you a huge ambition
In this case, the idea may not have a strong proof of feasibility with a high probability, but the idea probably product high-quality articles. Accordingly, you need to address problems by yourself.
Determined by yourself
Inspiration from life
The idea is grounded
Form academic articles
The idea is with academic thinking
Key point
Project time
Feasibility / Challenge
50 percent /50 percent is an appropriate degree, which is both challenging and guaranteed to graduate.
Practical Value
