The goal of this assignment is to get you thinking about how the exploration of geographical and spatial relationships can help you to understand issues or answer research questions. GIS is not just about mapping information, it is about exploring the roles played by geography, the environment, and/or spatial relationships in issues of interest to policy-makers, researchers, and community members. For some issues, geography may be of no relevance, for others it might be one of many factors, and for some issues it is critical. Often the role of space, geography, and environment is complex and uncertain (e.g., in health). As in any other issue or research project, the questions we ask about geographical/spatial relationships should be based on evidence and a sound theoretical framework