Arthur Getis: a legend in geographical systems

The passing of Professor Arthur Getis in May of 2022 initiated a number of events to both reflect on and remember the tremendous contributions he has made over his career to geographical systems more broadly, but also spatial analysis, spatial statistics, regional science, geography and GIScience, among others. This began with a series of sessions at the North American Regional Science Council meetings held in Montreal, Canada in November of 2022, followed by an invitation from the editors of Journal of Geographical Systems, Manfred Fischer, Antonio Paez, and Petra Staufer-Steinnocher, to organize a special issue in his honor. Soon thereafter, an open call was initiated to solicit submissions to this special issue, seeking original contributions that overlap and complement the broad range of research undertaken by Professor Getis over a distinguished career and life. This paper offers an overview of prominent geographical systems work carried out by Professor Getis. Reflections on his many contributions are also detailed. A summary of the contributions to this special issue is given, along with final thoughts.