The use of Geographical Information Systems in the study of the Patagonia rebelde strike in Northeastern Santa Cruz

Abstract

Within the framework of a research project that aims to recover the rural heritage of Northeastern Santa Cruz, a Geographical Information System (GIS) and a documentary database have been built to integrate all existing information on the rural strike of the year 1921 —commonly known as “La Patagonia Rebelde”— which broke out within the territory of this Province. This strike was a significant event in the history of Santa Cruz territory, mainly because of the brutal repression undertaken by the Argentine Army, which led to death and execution of hundreds of striking rural labourers. This article presents the methodology used in the construction of this GIS and documentary database, explaining the sources (maps, documents, manuscripts, etc.) that were used. Subsequently, we present some case-studies of this GIS application, including the construction of thematic cartographies and reconstructions of the movements of some of the main actors of the strike. Finally, we believe that the use of spatial archaeology tools and methodologies has revealed new data on how the strike affected Northeastern Santa Cruz, especially the extent of the strike and the actions of some of the actors involved.