Convergent consensus among scientists considers social, economic and financial phenomena can be described by a network of agents and their interactions. Surprisingly, even though the application fields of Social Network Analysis are diverse, those networks often show a common behaviour. Better knowledge of Social Network Analysis can therefore provide insights and skills for practical use in many areas of research and endeavour, in particular ones involving electronic media. In the field of Geoinformation Systems, the building of geospatial data aggregators or geographic communities relies on identifying the dynamics of underlying social networks. In fact, almost any form of GIS intended to be used by the general public should consider the use of SNA to prepare product distribution, respond to user feedback or introduce updates.

Topics covered in this workshop:

• Origins and uses of Social Network Analysis

• tools and vocabulary of Social Network Analysis

• forms and techniques of interpreting Social Networks

• overview of software used in Social Network Analysis

• practice session