Dr. Dalton's work focuses on web-based geotechnologies extends from Google Maps to spatial data science to mobile phone user’s geographic practices. He authored multiple pieces on the history and power-relations of Google Maps. Currently, he is collaborating with Jim Thatcher (Univ. of Washington-Tacoma) to develop a socially situated, contextualized approach to understanding spatial ‘big’ data/data science/data analytics, in multiple publication outlets. Dr. Dalton also conducts research on how people use maps and geographic applications on their mobile devices in their everyday lives. How are those maps and services shaping how users see, understand, and behave in the world? All of this work seeks to understand the power geometries, political economies, and cultural priorities that underlie geographic technologies, posing questions about the limits of current geotechnologies and GIS, the ethical conundrums they raise, and the possibilities of other, better technological relationships. Dr. Dalton also studies and engages in counter-mapping and GIS for social justice, often with a local or regional orientation. This work takes several forms. He is a founding member of the Counter Cartographies Collective (3Cs), a multidisciplinary, research group that uses mapping and GIS for social change in universities and communities.
