Lab #3: Neogeography

View Santa Monica Beach Adventure! in a larger map

This mash-up map is a map that I created of Santa Monica, CA. I tend to spend most of my time during the summer working in Santa Monica and since I am unfamiliar with the area I thought that it would be a good idea to create a map with places that I could visit before or after work. I see Santa Monica as an extremely sustainable and fun city and I would like to get to know it better as a place that I can explore in my free time.


Neogeography

The field of neogeography is an up and coming phenomenon that is changing the face of geography. Neogeography can simply be defined as “new geography” and it is responsible for numerous changes that we see in the field of geography today. Neogeography gives untrained individuals the power to take map-making into their own hands, a concept that when thought about can be potentially dangerous. As quoted in an article about neogeography the author states that " Neogeography is about people using and creating their own maps, on their own terms and by combining elements of an existing toolset. Neogeography is about sharing location information with friends and visitors, helping shape context, and conveying understanding through knowledge of place" (Turner 2). However, as untrained individuals make their own maps it takes away from the power of cartographers and other professional mapmakers. Nonetheless, along with the dangers come many benefits as well.

Positive attributes of neogeography include a new found interest and appreciation for the field of geography. Many people who otherwise would not have engaged in map-making before are now embracing the tools and opportunities that neogeography has to offer. Everyday individuals are creating and sharing their own maps with millions of people around the world. In a sense these individuals have become geographers in their own unique ways. In addition, neogeography has increased the importance and use of maps for the everyday person. Maps are now used not solely for scientific research but for common day activities. For example, whenever I go to an unfamiliar place the first thing that I do is go onto Google maps or MapQuest to get a route so that I won’t get lost. In addition, I might even check out a couple interesting places and things to do in the area so that I can have fun in this new environment. Maps and mashups have provided individuals with the power to see and experience their own mental maps. In a sense it has made their visualization a physical reality.

Despite the advantages and new found potential for neogeography it also presents a very important danger that is worthy of major concern. The most important threat that neogeography poses is a threat to the validity of maps created by professionals. This has thus led to the creation of inaccurate and invalid maps that are sometimes viewed as the “real deal.” Thus, with people obtaining the power to create their own maps it unfortunately causes a serious problem in the academic field of geography. People using these maps for educational purposes must now pay special attention to the source of where they obtained their information. This is very much similar to students who write papers. Just about anything is now provided on the internet and it is important to check the source to make sure if it is from a valid source or not.

However, regardless of the dangers that neogeography offers I believe that the positive aspects of the field outweigh the concerns. Neogeography is still a growing field and it has a lot of room for improvement and proper oversight. I believe that the field of geography will gain importance and awareness with everyday people being given the opportunity of accessing geographic information. Education and awareness about geography will help geography continue and thrive as an academic field. It gives power to academic and non-academic people alike, giving them a small say in a large and growing interdisciniplinary field.