Lab 3: Neogeography

View California Architectural Sights in a larger map


As a civil engineering major, I take great interest in architectural structures. California is home to many. I created a mashup that maps several of the major architectural structures in this state, creating a tool that architecture enthusiasts, like I, can use to further expand on our interests. The map includes a variety of bridges, buildings, and other structures. The icons each include a short description of the sight, as well as a photo or a short video.

By combining different elements and forms of media with geographic material, this map demonstrates the very essence of neogeography. Neogeography, meaning "new geography," involves the sharing of geographic data and the interaction that mashups enable. People use and compile their own maps, creating a geography that is centered on the user. This wide-scale interaction forms larger communities in which the possibility of generating many new ideas increases. Because it is easy to use, professionals and amateurs alike can share their maps, and geography becomes easier to teach. In addition, neogeography allows individuals to give perspective to raw geographic data.

However, despite its many advantages, neogeography has pitfalls as well. The convenience of producing maps causes the credibility of all information to be questionable. It becomes incredible easy and common for incorrect or unreliable information to be relayed. The internet also permits access to all information. Many have argued that tools such as Google Maps and other geographic programs cause an invasion of privacy because cameras or satellite images have the potential of recording peoples' lives. To this day, the invasive nature of the developing technology of neogeography still remains a delicate issue. Nevertheless, neogeography is largely responsible for spreading the practice of geography, developing an innovative and interactive method to approaching spatial data.