Geographic information systems and geography of religions: an international review of research

The essay address the contribution of geographical methodology in the study of the religious phenomenon, focusing attention on the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) through a international literature review of research articles. The selection of journals to be investigated was based on periodical profiles and scientific prestige thanks to use of the Journal Citation Reports 2017. The review process involved a total of 15 academic journals ded- icated to geographical research and GIS technology, from which four essays were identified. The analysis of the content of these papers has allowed us to understand how this technology provides a valid support to investigate historical themes of the geography of religions (mapping of religions in space and distribution of places of worship), but also and above all, it is able to in- tegrate the spatial study of religions with complex socio-economic, political and emotional data thanks to the database that characterizes it. We suggest therefore that Geographic Information Systems can help define a specific spatial methodology in the study of religions.