GeoComputation - GeoComputation - page 19

ways we do not yet properly comprehend. Quite often all we have is masses of data that reflect the
operation of as yet unidentified systems and processes about which we know next to nothing. It is all
very complex, challenging and exciting. Here lies one of the geocyberspace's research frontiers. It is
easily reached but moving it on will be far harder. Those who readily deride data-driven approaches
as data dredging, data trawling and data mining should appreciate how difficult it really is to apply
science to these problems. It is far, far easier, and simpler, to be deductive than inductive; it is just
that we no longer have the luxury of being able to do this. Immense complexity is the main reason
why GC is needed and, once established, will last for a long time. However, it is also important not
to neglect the new opportunities for building models of geo-systems, for understanding processes,
for simulating new and old theories and generally for joining in the computation fun and games
increasingly being enjoyed by most other sciences.
What are needed now are the new ideas and young enthusiastic freethinking spirits able to go
and develop hitherto impossible or unthought of GC tools, the cleverest people from many different
disciplines united by different aspects of the GC challenge and who believe it is both possible and
worthwhile. We now know enough how to start the process rolling (albeit slowly), but many others
are now needed to develop the many threads and help guide it to a successful conclusion. The pres-
ent is a very exciting time for computationally minded geographers, and hopefully GC is a rallying
call to which many more will feel able to respond to in the years ahead.
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