Ouray Postcard Sense-of-Place: Looking at Words and Reading Pictures

Abstract

To modernize sense-of-place research methods and restore humanistic depth to the field of geography, this research is an exploration into inventive tools and techniques for sense-of-place investigations. A historical postcard GIS was built and analyzed to assess sense of place for Ouray, Colorado. Another GIS was constructed using the results of a Ouray local self-directed photography exercise. These data were analyzed as well to reflect upon the effectiveness of alternative sense-of-place methodologies. This research demonstrates the possibilities for integrating geospatial technologies into qualitative geographic research.