The power of maps
Maps fascinate. Show us a map and we get excited; If it is a world map or a treasure map or just the map in our navigation system, it will take us to places we have never been before, in reality or in our head.
Maps are everywhere. Nowadays, we use maps day-in day-out, directly or indirectly. Look at the news or read the newspaper and we are likely to see several maps. Our smart phone navigates us in a snap from the station to our meeting point. Did you know that 80% of all data has a geographical link? Moreover, we use the language of maps day-to-day(e.g. we have achieved something if we put ourselves on the map).
Maps provide overview. If we are lost, we need a map to show us where we are. If there is a flood, satellite imagery show us a complete overview of the damage. Nowadays, we each stand, individually, at the centre of our own map!
Maps spotlight. Maps are ideal to set certain issues under attention. Satellite maps showing the rapid melting of the arctic ice put the global warming issue central.
Maps will take us to places we have never been before, in reality or in our head.
Maps answer. Maps give concrete answers to complex and often urgent problems. How many people are affected by Ebola in this area? What is the financial or environmental cost if this dike would break? Did you know that a considerable contribution to the peace agreements in 95 making an end to the Bosnia-war came from geo-data? Only clear maps and a height model were able to convince all parties to accept the proposed new borders.
Maps monitor. Looking at differences between imagery over time, changes in tropical forests or urban sprawl can be detected and monitored.
Maps predict. Not only can maps look at how it was a century ago, they are also powerful to look at the future. Famine can be predicted through satellite monitoring of agricultural crops. Local air pollution forecasts can warn sensitive people for bad air coming up the next hours.
Maps make our idea possible and “invite us” to start with it.
Maps tell a story. In many complex problems (e.g. climate change), we lack the ability to imagine how things could be. Often it is not the technology or rules that prevent us from moving ahead, but this disability to see the future! Maps concretise our ideas and paint a vivid picture of what could be. They have the power to simulate future scenarios and hence can function as thé story teller we need to mobilize people in this transition process towards a more respectful and sustainable society.
Maps call for action. One of the most appealing features of maps is that all journeys are feasible. Maps make our idea possible and “invite us” to start with it. Through easy-to-use map applications, we can e.g. indicate problems in the neighbourhood to the responsible authorities or suggest other citizen what nice, kids-friendly bar we just discovered.
Maps are powerful! It is not by coincidence that the true opposite of the word “SPAM” is “MAPS”!!
About Nicolas
Nicolas is a socially committed mapping expert and map enthusiast. He is convinced that map applications can play a positive role in this transitioning world. It is not by coincidence that the true opposite of “SPAM” is “MAPS”.
He is co-founder of nazka mapps. nazka is focused on maps that matter, adding value to society. Check for sure also aircheckr.
