CartographyNeeded More Now Than Ever

John ReiserRowan University

A common view held by most people today is that cartography deals only with pen on paper.

• We use digital maps or GIS far more than paper maps because of their portability, ease of use, analytical and hyperlocational abilities.

• Cartography is changing along with the times, as more maps are produced in full color, and possibly never printed.

• So then, why do we have paper maps?

It’s often a labor of love and a source of pride.

• Manual cartography today is predominantly a labor of love

• Almost all production maps are created in some digital environment, whether its ArcGIS or Illustrator

• You’ll be hard pressed to find the default ArcGIS symbology and color patterns here today.

• Modern mapping – especially online – needs that same TLC

Cost is a good thing.

• Paper maps cost money to prepare and produce.• Maps need to be thoroughly checked for errors as

reprinting costs are just as high as the initial cost.• Forces map producer to produce a high-quality

product, or else it will not sell. Niche maps might not even be produced at all.

• Just because it’s cheaper now to fix errors after or during production doesn’t mean you can forego quality assurance.

Interactive mapping is the new standard.

• All previous web mapping software had a high cost of entry…– ArcIMS required hosting and a large license fee. – While free, Mapserver has a steep learning curve.

• With the release of Google Maps’ API in June 2005, it has never been easier to prepare interactive maps that can be shared worldwide.

• Coupled with an incredible worldwide base map.

Cartography: where modern mapping is lacking.

• The tools are now in the hands of average users.• While the democratic effect of the tools is

something to admire, most modern maps leave something to be desired.

• Most mashups are simple, generic point maps.• Lack the clarity of professionally prepared maps.• Mashups don’t have to look like this…

So, what is this?

Not clear, because of the generic symbols.

Washington Metrorail Mashups

WMATA’s official system map.

• Still uses the Google API, just like the mashups.• Custom map tiles, with the famous line map.• Heavily modified interface, providing a more

aesthetically pleasing interface and additional functionality.

Long Island Index Maps

• Breadth of scope: LIIM host land use, population, housing, and education maps, with special focus on downtowns.

• Incredible detail in each layer.• Heavily customized using open source software,

namely OpenLayers and GeoServer.

Cartifact: City Maps of LA and NYC

• Cartifact has produced two detailed maps of New York City and Los Angeles.

• Custom, highly detailed, neighborhood/pedestrian scale map of NYC.

• Printed, this same map would be impossible to fold and put in your back pocket.

• Using the medium to add value to the map.

Map providers know this.

• The cartography cannot be an afterthought, as users will switch to other map providers.

• Mapquest revamped its base maps in an effort to remain competitive with Google Maps.

• It has become very easy to switch between map providers.

• Despite this, the data and the rendered map are often a package deal.

Push for better maps.

• Our maps should provide a rich experience through beautiful cartography.

• Our digital maps should strive to provide the same experience.

• We need to balance the demands of new technology with high aesthetic standards.

• Can’t cripple the functionality of digital mapping.

OpenStreetMap – Creative Commons licensed.

• OpenStreetMap is an open, free to use (and edit) world map.

• Default map is rendered using an open source map renderer, Mapnik.

• The important thing to note: if you don’t like the way it looks, you’re free to download the data and render it however you like!

Sharing maps.

• Conventional or interactive, cartography is needed in today’s information hungry world.

• All of the maps here serve an additional purpose, to inspire new and inventive ways of presenting geospatial data.

• Cartography needs to be seen to appreciate it.• Be proud and show your work off – share it!

Thank You!

• John Reiser – reiser@rowan.eduhttp://users.rowan.edu/~reiser/http://njgeo.org/

• Metrorail Mashup• Long Island Index Maps• Cartifact City Maps• OpenStreetMap• CC-licensed pictures from Flickr