Georeferentiation and Social Sciences: an interdisciplinary way to detect vulnerability

This article explores the integration of georeferenced information in Social Sciences as a prime example of interdisciplinary research and the development of knowledge concerning vulnerability. The geospatial framework plays a pivotal role in the analysis of data across sociology, psychology, anthropology, and economics, yet its significant potential has often been overlooked. Recently, however, there has been a notable reconciliation between GIS (Geographic Information Systems) techniques and Social Sciences, largely attributed to advancements in software capable of handling complex datasets. Originating from the CLARA (Cloud plAtform and smart underground imaging for natural Risk Assessment), an Italian national project focused on risk assessment and management regarding natural disasters, this paper delves into the theoretical and technical aspects of georeferencing specific data on a geographical map. This approach offers two primary advantages: it enhances the readability of information on a map and makes the relationships between data points more apparent. Additionally, georeferenced data reintroduce complexity to the subject under study by enabling a multidimensional, contextual, and integrated analysis. This multidimensionality underscores the value of interdisciplinarity as a means for the convergence of scholars and technicians and the attainment of a more diversified, in-depth, and enriched perspective, leading to improved outcomes. The paper concludes by discussing the various benefits that georeferenced data can offer to interventions and policy-making.