The map as an interface

Maps are often overlooked as an information source, but these documents are a valuable resource for library users.  It can be argued that everything has a location and therefore ‘a geography’; we know that everything happens somewhere.  While maps, in and of themselves, can contain a wealth of data, they can also form the interface to tremendous volumes of information that is referenced by location.  Within resources such as Google Earth, the information available to the user is simply incredible, and not just for spying to see what your neighbours have in their backyard.

Google Earth can be downloaded to your computer.  It places satellite images and aerial photographs along with the power and utility of maps into the hands of everyday computer users.  However, there are limitations that must be considered.  First and foremost, be aware of what you’re looking at.  Consider the date of the imagery and it’s source.  Many fall into the trap of thinking that because it is image-based (including satellite data) that the image is instantaneous or near real-time.  Not so; some of the data is relatively recent, but more of it is a little dated.  Google strives to update its imagery within approximately three years, but they are at the mercy of governments and other agencies that actually collect this information; so what they’re seeking may not be available.  Remember to look to the lower left corner of the image window for the date of the images.  Also, one must be careful of the annotations that are added to the imagery.  Again, some feel that because a lot of the information is fed from satellite imagery, that it has to be correct; again, not so.  Remember that annotations and boundary lines are added by individuals that retrieve this information from a variety of sources.  So, just because it appears on Google Earth doesn’t necessarily mean it’s correct.  I had an interesting discussion with a friend of mine who informed me that the name of the street where I live was different than what city officials, street signs, and I thought it to be – because the GPS and Google told him what it was.  His stance was that the satellite had to be correct!  The information he was referencing didn’t come from a satellite.

Within Google Earth, have a look beyond the great images.  Switch on some of the gallery sources like Street View or 360Cities to learn more about an area, or for a quick visit without actually leaving your home.  Learn more about social concerns such as the Crisis in Darfur, the Fair-trade Initiatives and see the areas that are actually affected.  Dive on a wreck with a team of experts or get really adventurous and visit the Moon, or even Mars.  Check it out, it’s worth the exploration.

Do it yourself maps

Recent posts discussed the information contained on paper maps found within the Map Room.  More and more, digital data, resources, and maps that are created on demand are becoming the norm within the cartographic world.  Don’t get me wrong, paper maps are still vital and important both as sources of information and as a medium of presentation.  However, the flexibility and immediacy of creating a custom map with the prepackaged software is pretty appealing for many users.  This is especially so now that most cartographic design issues are built-in, quite simply, in most cases the program will design the map for you.

 

There are several packages that are available to the map users that routinely visit the Map Room, or even from their own home if desired.  If they choose to take advantage of software such as Google Earth or Google Maps, they can create a reasonable reference map from existing base map information.  Similarly, services available from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) - the federal mapping authority - places map creation squarely in the hands of the user.  NRCan’s Toporama (http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/topo/index.html) allows users the ability to identify the region of interest and select the map data that they require and then create and print the map they need.  This is quality stuff too since Toporama is based on data collected to create the maps of Canada’s National Topographic Series.

Map creation doesn’t need to be painful.  Today, it can be relatively simple and users can create some pretty decent maps with readily accessible resources.  BUT, you still have to be careful.

Comments on creation

This is my first foray into the creation of or contribution to a blog of any sort.  Using the resources and tools set out by the provider of this service, the process was relatively straightforward.  Before starting though, I compared the suggested services and the one thing that influenced my decision was the availability of backgrounds and designs for use.

Blogs can offer a beneficial tool for library promotion since they can be followed by people with similar interests or those who may wish to know more on a given topic.  For example, what interesting things are going on in the library, or what resources are available.  As with other posts to the Internet, blog entries are often the views and opinions of an individual and should be regarded as such.  While I do my utmost to check and verify the information I provide, I would hope that someone would defer to published scholarly works on the topics that I may post.  The information that I intend to share is simply an insight into my interests in maps and my efforts to show some of the interesting things that are going on in the Map Room.

Reflections...

One interesting map that has surfaced this week from the collection at the Map Room of the Queen Elizabeth II Library at MUN is Close’s Haddock, Cod and Halibut Chart of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Banks of Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.

This chart was produced by noted naval and military cartographer Albert Close and first released in 1931, although the edition held in the Map Room is 1951.  This chart contains a wealth of information presumably for the benefit of fishing captains such as bottom conditions, water temperatures and depths.  In addition to the map itself, the marginal information is quite informative relating wisdom such as: how to take a bearing; measure distances; or lay off a course on a chart.  It even offers the advice that “Skippers should carry a deep-sea thermometer and use it daily.”

This map is not only utilitarian in nature, it holds a great deal of visual appeal.  It has a hand-drawn design that presents a degree of charm not seen on today’s maps.  The map and marginal information offers a view of an industry that has become so mechanical it no longer inspires the stories and visuals of salt-sprayed vessels and gnarled old sea captains.  This glimpse into yesterday is one of two of Close’s charts held in the Map Room, the other describes the fishing conditions near Iceland.  If you have an opportunity to visit the map room, why not ask to have a peek at one of these charts. 

What is this?

This blog was created as part of the Library Studies 2606 course at Memorial University of Newfoundland.  I also thought that it would be a good chance to share my interests in maps and mapping and discuss some of the interesting pieces that I've come across.  What you will see in here are required course materials plus some "Map Room Musings" that will get posted from time to time.