Bridging Social and Geographical Space through Networks

Networks represent a broad umbrella for a number of approaches to the study of interaction, having acquired considerable importance in recent times. They are a powerful metaphor for understanding social interaction even when not explored through formal methods. Among the latter, two main types of approaches stand out: quantitative spatial modelling and social network analyses. The former refers to notions of geographic space as intended by a variety of disciplines including Landscape Archaeology and Geography, e.g. through GIS-based approaches; the latter relates to the analysis of social relations and their patterning with an emphasis on topology rather than physical space.

In this workshop, invited speakers will discuss and highlight the potential for integrating these research directions, with an aim to identify common grounds for developing new interdisciplinary insights. In particular, presentations will address the following points:

• Conceptualisation of space, through the use of networks, both as a rigorous methodology and as a broader metaphor of human activity
• Applications of Social Network Analysis
• Examples of the use of geographic networks

Program