The application of geomatic technologies in an indigenous context : Amazonian Indians and indigenous land rights
Abstract
Indigenous people have employed Western analogue techniques (maps, charts, etc) to
support their land rights ever since their traditional territories came under threat.
Although indigenous groups utilise such tools there is still a significant divide between
the epistemological conception of these analogue techniques and the ontology of the
indigenous people. This research looks at one of the latest technologies to be utilised by
indigenous peoples, that of geomatics technologies. It examines their design and
application using the analytical techniques of anthropology juxtaposed with the
geographical methodologies. Using both the literature and three case studies drawing
from fieldwork conducted in the Peruvian Amazonian I argue that although previous
analogue techniques carried a certain epistemological baggage, they were effectively
neutral and did not impact of the ontology of the indigenous peoples. Geomatics
technologies are not neutral and carry more than just baggage, so they are not so simply
appropriated. Indigenous conceptions of landscape are not compatible with the current
design of geomatics technologies but indigenous federations are increasingly employing
them. The indigenous federation along with non-governmental organisations adopt the
geomatics technologies because of their perceived authority in land rights and their
applications in land management and saving cultural heritage. The State recognises this
authority because the design and output of geomatics conforms to its legal system.
However, indigenous peoples have a different agenda and conception of land rights.
Their agenda is based on revitalising their heritage and land rights derived through self-determination.
This research reveals such issues of power, politics and authenticity
behind its application and the ontological and epistemological philosophy of its design.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Rights
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