Visualizaton: Mapping: Mapping or Cartography, is basically the study and process of making representations of the Earth. This was usually done by taking measurements via instruments and cartographers personally visiting and mapping out an area. These maps were then usually compared to other maps called derivative maps and then finalized. However, with the amount of technology today, mapping is done much differently. Although there are still measurements taken personally, many modern maps are created by pictures that are taken by satellite.


Below shows an instrument used by cartographers and geographers to measure distances.

Information Technologies:
The following IT's are involved with mapping.

• The Internet: These wireless signals transmit data from satellites down to the Earth. Today, it is also possible to access these maps via the Internet.
• Computers: Computers in the satellites and on Earth are what send and receive signals as well as interpret and process the data.
• Image processing software: Although perhaps a little obvious, computers need software to present the images for human interpretation.

Below is an example of satellite mapping. This map was made available due to Google Maps and shows an aerial view of Placentia, California. Although you are not able to tell from the picture, you are able to zoom in onto specific areas.



Advantages & Disadvantages:
+ This technology allows cartographers and geographers to make detailed maps of areas they've never been before, such as Antarctica or in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

+ These maps are usually much more detailed and precise than maps created manually using measuring instruments.

- Although technology is advancing very quickly, human skill is still required to turn these images into maps that are able to be distributed and published.

- Some cartographers have voiced their concern about these new maps and how they no longer require traditional cartographers.


To the left is another example of a picture taken by satellite. This is an example of why satellites have not completely replaced cartographers yet. The image is not too clear and it is extremely difficult to determine area boundaries.

Social/Ethical Issues:
Reliability: As mentioned earlier, some cartographers are complaining about losing their value in today's growing society. One of their main arguments is that the new maps may not be as reliable depending on the intended use. Aside from software and hardware malfunctions, the picture to the left would not be a very good representation of a political map, and may not be very reliable when converted into one.

People & Machines:
Like several other areas, mapping is becoming more and more technologically dependent. Many jobs have been replaced by a satellite or machine able to human jobs quicker and more efficiently. Instead of hiring an explorer or scientist to travel to Antarctica with an entire team to make a map, one could just take a picture of Antarctica via satellite and hire a cartographer to analyze the picture with help from derivative maps.




By: Paul Bui
Article Source: Cartographers against Google Maps