GEOValue ― The Socioeconomic Value of Geospatial Information

Quantifying the social and economic value that geospatial information contributes to modern society is a complex task. To construct reliable and consistent valuation measures requires an understanding of the sequence of processes that starts with data acquisition, and leads to decision-makers’ choices that impact society. GEOValue explores each step in this complex value chain from the viewpoint of domain experts spanning disciplines that range from the technical side of data acquisition and management to the social sciences that provide the framework to assess the benefit to society. The book is intended to provide foundational understanding of the techniques and complexities of each step in the process. As such it is intended to be assessable to a reader without prior training in data acquisition systems, information systems, or valuation methods.

In addition, a number of case studies are provided that demonstrate the use of geospatial information as a critical input for evaluation of policy pertaining to a wide range of application areas, such as agricultural and environmental policy, natural catastrophes, e-government and transportation systems.

Dr. Jamie Brown Kruse is recognized for her research in applied economics and decision making under uncertainty. She has held faculty positions at the University of Colorado, Texas Tech University, East Carolina University and a visiting position at Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule (ETH) in Zurich, Switzerland. Her funded research has been supported by National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Commerce, Department of Interior, Department of Treasury, and Department of Homeland Security. In 2010 she held the position of Chief Economist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. At the interagency level, she served as a member of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Subcommittee on Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, and Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology.