Conference papers

@conference{nokey,

title = {From Maps to Minds: Interdisciplinary Learning through Critical GIS and Data Visualization},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://iutconference.com/},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-07-17},

address = {L},

institution = {University of Westminster},

organization = {Improving University Teaching},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {forthcoming},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Maps as Communication: Unveiling the Power of Cartographic Narratives},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-05-22},

urldate = {2025-05-22},

address = {London, UK},

institution = {University of Westminster},

organization = {Communication and Media Research Institute},

series = {50th Anniversary Conference},

abstract = {This paper explores the multifaceted role of maps as powerful tools for communication, extending far beyond their traditional function of geographic representation. This paper examines how maps serve as visual narratives, shaping perceptions, influencing decision-making, and mediating complex information across various domains. The paper investigates how cartographers tackle the challenge of representing intangible phenomena, emotions, and social dynamics. Furthermore, this paper will analyse the use and misuse of maps, highlighting their potential to manipulate public opinion and justify political and territorial claims. Combining historical analysis, case studies, and interviews with cartographers and geopolitical experts, this paper will reveal that maps are not neutral artefacts but rather are one of the most complex and misunderstood tools of communication, filled with subjective interpretations imbued with cultural, political, and social biases. The paper concludes that critical map literacy is an essential part of media literacy in today's information-rich environment, enabling individuals to decode the hidden messages and power structures embedded in cartographic representations.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {forthcoming},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {The cartographer as activist: Mapping and social justice},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/en/activities/programme-of-the-conference-3},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-11-11},

urldate = {2024-11-11},

institution = {University of Padova},

organization = {International Conference "Global Civil Society’s value and law power facing a crisis of values and law. Ideas and actions to shape an international order of peace"},

series = {Innovation and threats in transnational social mobilization},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Education for Sustainable Development: A Vertically  Integrated Approach},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://iutconference.com/},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-08-01},

urldate = {2024-08-01},

address = {Milwaukee WI USA},

institution = {University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee},

organization = {Improving University Teaching},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Education for Sustainable Development: A horizontal and vertical model of learning for the future},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/event/solstice-and-clt/},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-06-12},

address = {Liverpool, UK},

institution = {Edge Hill University},

series = {2024 SOLSTICE and CLT conference},

abstract = {This talk examines how the Education for Sustainable Development agenda has been used to reimage undergraduate teaching. Exploring how vertically integrated projects meet horizontal alignment, I show how a three-year BA can foster community-engaged education, research-engaged education, and authentic learning. Taking our flagship BA Digital Media degree as a case study, this talk will demonstrate the changes and thinking that have led to the development of a course that goes beyond the classroom to develop a model for a sustainable future in every sense of the phrase.

},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {forthcoming},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Global Summit on ESG and Sustainability},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-03-12},

urldate = {2024-03-12},

address = {Mumbai, India},

edition = {AAROHAN 2.0},

institution = {ATLAS SkillTech University},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Media, Activism and Politics: How the media can change the world},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-03-05},

address = {Madrid},

institution = {Universidad CEU San Pablo},

series = {International Week 2024},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Being Human in an AI world: Perspectives from Higher Education},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-11-22},

address = {Lima, Peru},

organization = {Cientifica del Sur University},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {The Self(ie) in the Anthroposcene},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/en/attivita/Conceptualising-vulnerability-in-a-time-of-human-rights-regression/1477},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-11-13},

address = {Padova, Italy},

institution = {University of Padova},

series = {Conceptualising vulnerability in a time of human rights regression},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Conflictive territorial dynamics through collaborative mapping: Reflections and lessons to be learned},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://www.ssh.aau.dk/transformative-connections-building-diverse-relations-for-a-just-green-transition-e91148},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-11-02},

urldate = {2023-11-02},

address = {Copenhagen, Denmark},

organization = {Aalborg University},

series = {Transformative Connections: Building Diverse Relations for a Just Green Transition},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Media, Maps, and the Making of War},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://events.tuni.fi/geomedia2023/programme/},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-09-21},

urldate = {2023-09-21},

address = {Tampere University, Norway},

organization = {GeoMedia 2023},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Disappearing into the map: The hiding of tragedy through war cartography},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://www.gcu.ac.uk/aboutgcu/academicschools/gsbs/aboutus/departments/mediajournalism/MECCSA2023},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-09-05},

urldate = {2023-09-05},

organization = {MeCCSA 2023: Connected Futures?},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {AI and the death of higher education?},

author = {Denitsa Petrovna and Doug Specht},

url = {https://iutconference.com/},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-07-13},

urldate = {2023-07-13},

address = {Heriot-Watt Putrajaya Malaysia},

organization = {International Conference on Improving University Teaching},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Chasing Happiness - A Barrier to Student Satisfaction?},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://iutconference.com/},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-07-13},

urldate = {2023-07-13},

address = {Heriot-Watt Putrajaya Malaysia},

organization = {International Conference on Improving University Teaching},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = { Can't get no satisfaction: The pursuit of student happiness at the expense of experience},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/calendar/teaching-and-learning-conference-2023},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-07-06},

urldate = {2023-07-06},

address = {Keele University},

organization = {AdvanceHE},

series = {Teaching and Learning Conference 2023: Teaching in the spotlight: Shaping the future of teaching in HE},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Making Sense of Generative AI in Teaching},

author = {Doug Specht and Gunter Saunders},

url = {https://reflect.ucl.ac.uk/aptconference/},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-06-30},

urldate = {2023-06-30},

address = {King's College London},

organization = {APT Conference},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Geospatial Ethical Frameworks: A meta analysis},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-06-27},

address = {University of Westminster, London, UK},

organization = {Digital Geography Research Group 6th Annual Symposium},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Greening societies with just socio-technical transformations: Joining agendas across disciplines and the activist-academia divide},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-03-27},

urldate = {2023-03-27},

organization = {Network for Global Justice and the Environmental Humanities (EHJustice) workshop},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Environmental recovery after colonialism},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/en/attivita/The-Consequences-of-War-and-their-Interdependence-Bringing-Human-Security-Back-to-the-Global-Political-Agenda/1436},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-11-14},

organization = {Human Rights Centre of the University of Padova},

series = {The Consequences of War and their Interdependence. Bringing Human Security Back to the Global Political Agenda},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Integrating geospatial ethics into everyday practice},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-10-11},

urldate = {2022-10-11},

address = {Hyderabad, India},

institution = {UNWGIC},

organization = {Second United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress},

series = { TP4A - Capability development for sustainability and resilience},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Exploring the intersection of KE, outreach and professional development: A model for a sustainable university},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-09-06},

urldate = {2022-09-06},

address = {London, UK},

organization = {CETI Learning &Teaching Symposium},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Teaching geospatial ethics to non-geographers},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://www.rgs.org/research/annual-international-conference/programme/},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-08-30},

urldate = {2022-08-30},

address = {Newcastle, UK},

organization = {Royal Geographical Society (with IGB) Annual International Conference},

abstract = {The last few years have seen a many discussions around geospatial ethics, and since 2018 multiple ethical frameworks have emerged. UNICEF and the UK Statistics Authority have both produced similarly tilted documents on the Ethical Considerations of using Geospatial technologies or data. The Locus Charter has presented us with 10 guiding ideas on how to be more ethical in our work, and other organisations are presenting similar ideas and publications. There is also discussion about how these documents might impact on the work of people in the geospatial industries, with focus groups, interviews and surveys run by numerous organisations and think tanks to look at how these documents might be being used. Within this remains a gap, education. While there are courses on geospatial ethics available, some free through online platforms, some as part of university courses, these remain on the periphery and often require individuals or companies to ‘add-on’ ethics as part of their training or staff development. This session will draw upon work with secondary school students to look at how we can use the numerous frameworks developed to teach geospatial ethics as part of the geography curriculum. Furthermore, this talk will examine what can be learned from these integrations for the better inclusion of ethical learning inside organisations. The many frameworks that have been produced are an incredibly important step in increasing our ethical use of geospatial data and technology, but without a fully developed educational strand they risk being marginalised, forgotten about or merely used to ethics-wash poor practice.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Creative Practice in the Virtual Studio},

author = {Denitsa Petrovna and Doug Specht},

url = {https://iutconference.com/},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-07-28},

urldate = {2022-07-28},

address = {Tbilisi, Georgia},

organization = {International Conference on Improving University Teaching},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Going it Alone Online: Lessons from a Fully Asynchronous Dissertation Module},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://iutconference.com/},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-07-28},

urldate = {2022-07-28},

address = {Tbilisi, Georgia},

organization = {International Conference on Improving University Teaching},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Embedding Ethics in Geography:  Geospatial ethical frameworks in the classroom},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://www.eurogeography.eu/conferences/lesvos-2022/

http://e-spacio.uned.es/fez/view/bibliuned:EditorialUNED-aa-POL-Mldelazaro},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-05-06},

urldate = {2022-05-06},

address = {Lesvos, Greece},

organization = {EuroGEO},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Reimagining the relationships between Knowledge Exchange, Continuing Professional Development, and Outreach},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-04-01},

address = {Plymouth, UK},

organization = {Plymouth Marjon University},

series = {Knowledge Exchange in Higher Education: implications for teaching and research},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Framing Environmental Justice through Social Media in Latin America},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-12-02},

address = {Lima, Peru},

institution = {Científica del Sur University},

series = {Media and Power Conference},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Reflections on a successful ‘online pivot’: learning for the future},

author = {Doug Specht, Peter Chatterton, Peter Hartley, Gunter Saunders},

url = {https://reflect.ucl.ac.uk/aptconference/about-apt-2021/},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-07-02},

address = {Online},

series = {Academic Practice and Technology (APT2021) conference},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Technopolitics and mapping in International Development: A case study of Tanzania},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://www.eurogeography.eu/conferences/madrid-2020/

https://www.unebook.es/es/ebook/eurogeo-2021-conference-sustainable-development-goals-for-all-book-abstracts_E9000021345},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-04-23},

urldate = {2021-04-23},

address = {Online},

series = {EuroGEO},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Misrepresentation in knowledge dissemination: How can critical social education help?},

author = {Julio Gimenez and Doug Specht},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-22},

urldate = {2021-01-22},

address = {Online},

organization = {University of Westminster},

series = {CETI Conversations in Educational Research},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Mapping online communities in the Digital Classroom},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://youtu.be/OEuGT9w4jwE},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-07-01},

urldate = {2020-07-01},

address = {Online},

organization = {Digital Geography Research Group 4th Annual Symposium},

series = {Using the Digital: Research Methods, Teaching, and Everyday Practice},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {EPQ Media and Communication},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-06-30},

address = {Online},

organization = {University of Westminster},

series = {Learning and Teaching Symposium},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Human Rights: Mappings, Surveillance, and Sousveillance},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://www.corporateresponsibilitynetwork.com/2019/business-ethics-and-human-rights-from-theory-to-practice/

https://doug.specht.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Specht_D_Regents_HumanRights.pdf},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-09-10},

urldate = {2019-09-10},

address = {Regents University, London},

series = {Business Ethics and Human Rights, from Theory to Practice},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Illusions of Community: Mapping online interactions during extended peer work exercises},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-06-18},

address = {University of Westminster, London, UK},

series = {Researcher Network Conference ‘Research Matters’},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Closing the divide: Data visualisations, organisational structures and representation in humanitarian mapping},

author = {Doug Specht and Amelia Hunt},

url = {https://doug.specht.co.uk/closing-the-divide-data-visualisations-organisational-structures-and-representation-in-humanitarian-mapping/

https://www.flickr.com/groups/foss4g/},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-08-22},

urldate = {2018-08-22},

address = {Dar es Salaam, Tanzania},

organization = {FOSS4G},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {New participatory spaces: The role of locating in resistance},

author = {Doug Specht},

url = {https://doug.specht.co.uk/new-participatory-spaces-the-role-of-locating-in-resistance/

https://www.flickr.com/groups/foss4g/},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-08-22},

urldate = {2018-08-22},

address = {Dar es Salaam, Tanzania},

organization = {FOSS4G},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Neogeography and the insurrection of knowledges},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-07-26},

address = {Lancaster University, UK},

organization = {EASST},

series = {Meetings – Making Science, Technology and Society together},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = { Bigger Data, Bigger Divide? The role of Big Data and GI Analysis in redrawing the digital divide},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-06-14},

address = {London, UK},

organization = {University of Westminster},

series = {International Development at Westminster: current research and future perspectives},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Data, Visualisation and Human Development},

author = {Doug Specht and Joanna Boehnert},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-09-22},

address = {University of Oxford, Oxford, UK},

organization = {OII},

series = {Oxford Big Data and Development Symposium},

abstract = {This paper explores the risks of uncritical approaches to big data on issues of development with a focus on how it is harnessed in images. Accurate information is a basis for effective policy making, yet big data is far too often understood as empirically incontestable. This apparently evidence-based analysis can obscure more than it reveals. We examine how big data is being mobilized in data visualization on issues of human development in ways that serve ideological agendas. We will begin by examining how images work with a re-contextualization of impressionist art. A critic of Cézanne declared that his artwork was nothing more than an ugly untruth, a deliberate distortion of nature. Using this notion as a starting point, this paper questions how data visualisation illustrates trends and presents truth claims, through the privileging certain perspectives and importantly the rejection of others. We will then examine Max Roser’s Our World in Data (OurWorldinData.org) as an example of data visualization on issues of human development. Through these examples we will develop the concepts of digital positivism, datawash and darkdata as critical tools for approaching the communication of big data. Data visualization and artwork both reflect perceptions of the world, power relations, special interests and ideologies. The impressionists painted the unseen and unknown through painting voids. This paper posits that we could avoid the obfuscations of big data by understanding that its voids are political, but also that these voids might help us more clearly see power and ideology in data.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = { Bigger Data, Bigger Divide? The role of Big Data and GI Analysis in redrawing the digital information divide},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-05-26},

publisher = {University of London, UK},

organization = {Penn State University},

series = {Freedom of Information in Crisis Zones},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Mapping the Violence of Development},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-04-21},

address = {San Francisco, USA},

organization = {AAG},

series = {Annual Conference},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {How 2 Do It},

editor = {Roger Hallam, Melissa Nisbett, and Doug Specht},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-04-09},

address = {London, UK},

organization = {Kings College London,},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Walking the Tightrope: Activism and the Academy},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-12-03},

address = {London, UK},

organization = {Goldsmiths},

series = {Social Movements and Media Technologies},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {How digital media, data and GIS are used in legitimizing and codifying local knowledge within the context of International Development},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-10-15},

address = {London, UK},

organization = {University of Westminster},

series = {Transforming data: creative and critical directions in the arts and humanities},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {Big Data and Development},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-09-07},

address = {University of Bath, UK},

organization = { Development Studies Association},

series = {Annual Conference},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = { Big Data and Development},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-09-04},

address = { University of Exeter, UK},

organization = {RGS},

series = {Annual Conference},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}

@conference{nokey,

title = {The Digital Toolbox of Social Movements – Social Media vs. Online Mapping},

author = {Doug Specht},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-07-15},

address = {Ramallah, Palestine},

organization = {International Conference of Critical Geography},

series = {Precarious Radicalism on Shifting Grounds: Towards a Politics of Possibility},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {conference}

}