Human Geography in the Era of Big Data and AI
摘要
This chapter explores the transformative impact of geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) on human geography. GeoAI integrates artificial intelligence, geospatial big data, and high-performance computing to address complex spatial challenges. Tracing its evolution from early artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the 1980s to its formal introduction in 2018, the chapter highlights how advancements in AI, big data, and digital infrastructures have revolutionized geospatial analysis. It discusses the democratization of GeoAI through open-source tools, making advanced geospatial analysis accessible and fostering collaboration across diverse research communities. By interweaving tools and techniques, GeoAI enables researchers to unravel intricate socio-spatial complexities, leading to innovative applications in urban planning, cultural geography, and population studies. The chapter also examines future opportunities, such as enhanced decision-making, improved predictive capacities, and real-time monitoring. It discusses challenges including data quality, skill gaps, implementation costs, reproducibility concerns, and ethical issues like bias, privacy, and the rise of “deep fake geography.” Emphasizing the need for responsible practices, the chapter underscores the importance of balancing innovation with ethical considerations to fully harness GeoAI’s potential.