Neogeography

Neogeography, or “new” geography, is the usage of people, not in the map making industry, using tools to develop maps. Recently neogeography has become increasingly popular and easily reached through applications such as Google Maps. Individuals, such as me, are able to create their own maps though they may not be qualified to do so. I decided to create a map of Los Angeles’ top ten cupcakeries, for instance. As individuals build maps which require data, this allows the individuals to gain knowledge about spatial information. These maps are then shared with the public. The public then becomes aware of the organization of places and physical features. For example, the map below conveys to those who view it the places of cupcakeries and physical features surrounding these certain areas, such as the ocean near Santa Monica. Moreover, as individuals share and create maps, they become geographically savvy and are capable of appreciating cultural and physical geography.

 However there are pitfalls to neogeography. The individuals that create these maps are not specialist and, thus, can be creating false maps with irrelevant data. This is parallel to Wikipedia, anyone can post anything on the site. Most people accept Wikipedia as a valuable source and believe what the site holds. Thus, neogeographic creations are similar. The public will believe the source and possible be mislead on false data displayed on a map. Furthermore, the public’s access to Google Maps, allows criminals to have the world at their disposal. For instance, a pedophile can target his victims using something like Google Maps which displays landmarks. This is the worst case scenario, but this still occurs. Also, individuals may fabricate data on maps that is in favor of their operation. For example, recently Verizon posted two maps displaying both Verizon and AT&T 3G converge in the conterminous United States. Verizon’s map was far superior to AT&T’s map. Along these lines, the display of maps may have lead consumers to switch to Verizon for better service.

Though neogeography is unregulated, it allows users to share their own geographic creations with the World Wide Web. Many are able to appreciate the simplicity of sharing your relative data with photos and developing your own map to express your own individuality within your realm. There will always be those who use something to their advantage, but that should not disclaim the uniqueness of neogeography.


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