Abstract
This chapter brings together past research and reflections on the value of GIS approaches to the creative economy field, assessing opportunities and challenges. We conduct a systematic and critical literature review to map the main approaches and contributions to this method in connection with the study of the creative economy (including cultural and creative industries). We then reflect on a small research project mapping the craft economies of a rural mountain valley (Val Gardena, Italy) using GIS data and explore its implications. The literature review, together with our small project's results, highlights the distinctive value of GIS methods along with their challenges and limitations. Finally, we conclude by considering the advantages and opportunities of bringing together GIS with other research methods.