Maps are dead – long live the map
Recently I was in a discussion with someone who was saying that “maps were dead.” I believe that the major problem with that argument is that it does not define maps.
Yes, I will agree that traditional paper maps and charts are not as popular as they used to be. Paper does not store in a very compact format.
A set of maps for all of Canada would be several pounds to carry around. Dozens most likely. I can carry the same set of maps on one DVD. One disc. With that I can view them on my computer or transport them to my GPS so anywhere I am I can get directions to anywhere.
With a GPS I can get a set of co-ordinates. That set of co-ordinates while not a map by itself is now part of our major need for geo-location.
If one looks at flickr, many photos are tagged with location. Some cameras even have GPS chips built into them, instant location.
Geocaching, a very high tech game of hide and seek where people hide caches for people to find, posting co-ordinates which can be viewed on an electronic map or downloaded into a GPS unit to find.
Navigation systems, satnav navigates millions of people from point A to point B. You are looking at a map in there.
With everything, we have Google Earth where you can view all sorts of information, from fast food places to maps showing global warming. It’s open so people can share pretty much anything.
In short, maps are not dead – not by a long shot. Everything has just moved to the digital domain.
Tags: