Cartographers Against Google Maps
from the holding-back-the-tide dept
Apparently, the head of the British Cartographic Society is no fan of Google Maps. She's complaining that Google Maps doesn't include the additional geographic information that makes maps so great, claiming:"We're in real danger of losing what makes maps so unique, giving us a feel for a place even if we've never been there."Except, that's not quite true. After all, Google Maps allows all sorts of overlays and additional info. With Google Maps you can also get the satellite view, which is likely to give you a much greater feel for a place than a map. And, of course, many areas have the "Street View" feature as well -- again, providing a much greater feel for a place you've never been. As for certain landmarks and such not being added to Google Maps, more seem to be added every day, and with Google letting people add their own information to maps as well, it's only going to get better and better.
If anything, it seems like this guy is complaining not because Google Maps isn't useful, but because she's afraid that the need for traditional cartographers may not be as strong (which I doubt will actually be the case). Besides, if she's so worried that certain information isn't included on Google Maps, why not create a mashup overlaying all the info she feels has been left out -- because that's rather easy to do with Google Maps.
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Filed Under: cartographers, google maps
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I have to agree with the cartographer on this one.
That's not to say I use traditional maps often or feel Google is ruining their business... its changing it - like all technology. And technology's effect on the map is no different than other forms of distribution like audio/visual entertainment. The British Cartographic Society will have to evolve like all the others. But if they enhanced, or promoted, the experience of using a map in situations where the use of technology isn't right or out of reach; they might be able to share the feeling of what makes maps unique - and probably promote other industries as well.
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Re: I have to disagree with the cartographer on this one.
So It's Come To This came to this:
I fail to see what your point is. The existence of Google Maps isn't in any way interfering with your Gods-given right to continue holding paper maps in your hot little hands.
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Re: Re: I have to disagree with the cartographer on this one.
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Re: Re: Re: I have to disagree with the cartographer on this one.
There will always be space for a cartographer
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Re: I have to agree with the cartographer on this one.
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Re: Re: I have to agree with the cartographer on this one.
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It may not sound that important, but it is. I need the ability to just randomly jot things down on a map. Its one reason I hate sat-navs in cars for anything other than going from place to place. I want to add liner notes. I want to circles and arrows and lines. And I want it to be as easy as picking up a pen and drawing on a screen. Without 2 minute windows vista bootup process.
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Re:
with time i think every industry will have its complain about new Tech.
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Re: Re:
Think of the children.
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Re: Cartographers
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Re:
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What happens when your batteries die?
Google Maps and other systems are not going to put traditional maps out of business. They will supplement it. And, as Phoebe said, cartographers are still going to be needed for making the underlying maps of Google or whoever.
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Re: What happens when your batteries die?
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eh
slow complaint day, mike?
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Wiki Syndrome
For example, I was looking for a hotel in Liverpool - which had been added to the map three times, by three different users in three different places - streets away!
So - rather than the information getting "better and better" as time goes on, it can only get less reliable. Unless an effective moderation system is imposed.
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Yet we all saw what happened to the film SLR. a heartbeat away from completely dead.
I don't see why how traditional cartographers are supposed to survive in the presence of web-based satellite-based networked maps. Their business will fall and will attract only a certain niche, like film, and in that process many of the best will disappear in favor of one or two overpriced companies with many of the features cut. much like film
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A 'real map' is still good to have for the sake of teaching your children how to fold it and of course how to read it, and it is nice to occasionally use a map and have one in case global information warfare burns out all our electronics one of these days...
But there is no way a typical paper map gives me more useful information than Google Maps does.
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Maps and the uh, suchlike.
It finds me Google's easiest route, then I tweak the route so as to, say, avoid the M25, or make it more of a straight line.. whatev.
Then I have a map book in the car with me, in case of traffic, closed roads, a wrong turn, or just to know where I am on my journey.
Don't even get me started on SavNavs... All I'm going to say is "Make the next available U-turn"
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Technology progresses...
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coverage
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RE: i think she has a point
We are using it more now then letters in the mail.
We are giving it more and inventing new tools so that we dont require the skill to source out information. What was once a task of hours of skilled paint work is now minutes in photoshop. though unintentional these new directives for the better are the weaker, it makes us from not having to think about it, to not having to plan it, put the work into it, sure we will still need cartographers. But for how long what about newspapers how long will it be before they become obselete. retail self serve lanes. more and more until its us working for it. "long live mankind"
If you require more information "Google IT"
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Re: RE: i think she has a point
If you do not move with technology...... you don't move.
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Adapt or Die
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Google Maps lacks detail
Their map details in many non-US locations are notorious for being inaccurate. They need to do more than just these crappy inaccurate overlays, they aren't that useful since it's a pile of steamy stuff or nothing.
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Many areas have "Street View"? Hardly
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Google maps / MVE
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