GIS and spatial analysis in the media

It is not uncommon to see maps and more advanced statistical or spatial analysis reported in the media. Geographical information systems (GIS) have no doubt facilitated access to and analysis of spatial information. This article is the outgrowth of contact by the Boston Globe and subsequent published articles examining structure fires and the location of fire stations in Massachusetts. The questions asked by the Boston Globe are important geographical ones regarding location specific urban/rural service provision issues, and to answer these questions requires the use of spatial analysis. This article focuses on the use of methods for answering the questions raised in the context of applying academic research, an issue that continues to be a challenge.