Session Description: This panel of discussants follows a linked paper session. Heterodox GIS is GIS theory and practice that is not in accordance with standard or orthodox GIS and practice. The term is meant to capture the variety of approaches (feminist, critical, participatory, and other previously unimaginable approaches to GIS) that are rapidly transforming our understanding of GIS and how it is utilized. The panel is charged with commenting on the possibility of heterodox GIS to both transform GIS research and instruction. Is there a GIS orthodoxy? Given the plurality of approaches within geography, how has GIS come to be thought of and taught as singular rather than plural? Is there an emerging set of alternatives or a few celebrated anomalies? Where are such alternatives located and how are they being institutionalized? If there is an increasing pluralism in GIS research why do we not see a similar pluralism in GIS instruction? Finally, do we need to wait for GIS to be re-invented or can we re-read GIS as already feminist, critical, and participatory?
