Maps in the Information Maps in the Information AgeAge

Intro to Human GeographyIntro to Human Geography

Information and DisinformationInformation and Disinformation Time of Columbus (15Time of Columbus (15thth Century AD) Century AD)

• Explorers using maps based on the work Explorers using maps based on the work of Ptolemy (2of Ptolemy (2ndnd Century AD) Century AD)

Roman Empire fosters PAX ROMANARoman Empire fosters PAX ROMANA• Peaceful time = More Travel = Better Peaceful time = More Travel = Better

MapsMaps Collapse of Roman EmpireCollapse of Roman Empire Age of Exploration = Better MapsAge of Exploration = Better Maps

Information Age MapsInformation Age Maps Recent times have given way to new Recent times have given way to new

ways to capture info for mapsways to capture info for maps• Rapid decline in price of computersRapid decline in price of computers• Development of special software and Development of special software and

hardware hardware • Widespread access to internetWidespread access to internet

Remote SensingRemote Sensing Satellite Imagery Satellite Imagery

• NASA and Space program introduce use NASA and Space program introduce use of Satellites for mappingof Satellites for mapping

• Extremely accurate maps todayExtremely accurate maps today

Remote SensingRemote Sensing Google EarthGoogle Earth

• Satellite Photos of the entire EarthSatellite Photos of the entire Earth• StreetviewStreetview

Pros and Cons?Pros and Cons?• Privacy, Military, Travel, etc.Privacy, Military, Travel, etc.

Geographic Information SystemsGeographic Information Systems

GISGIS• Allows integration of different kinds of Allows integration of different kinds of

spatial dataspatial data• Digitized Representation of environmentDigitized Representation of environment• Analyze DataAnalyze Data

GISGIS Practical ApplicationsPractical Applications

• Undergraduate DegreeUndergraduate Degree Software CompaniesSoftware Companies Government AgenciesGovernment Agencies BusinessesBusinesses

• Survey WildlifeSurvey Wildlife• Map SoilsMap Soils• Analyze Natural DisastersAnalyze Natural Disasters• Follow DiseaseFollow Disease• Assist First RespondersAssist First Responders• Plan CitiesPlan Cities• Plot Transportation ImprovementsPlot Transportation Improvements• Track WeatherTrack Weather