Lab 3 - Dynamic Maps

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=210441587647967623246.0004cc45045442224a443&msa=0&ll=34.046686,-118.391247&spn=0.099991,0.181789



The map I created is a bike route from the Wiltern Theater in Korea Town, Los Angeles to the Santa Monica Pier. I highlight two famous eateries and a few malls and parks that I feel define the route. I chose this route because I used to bike from Korea Town to Santa Monica numerous times and would like to share the route I take.

The potential of neogeography is great. Individuals can create their own map catering to their interests. The creator does not have to be a professional nor do they have to have any experience in map making. They can simply go on google maps and create a map that caters to their interests. They may eliminate landmarks that have no importance to them and highlight certain areas on the map that they particularly enjoy or think is significant. Others may look at this map and visit the places that the creator has marked. Individuals can also include every restaurant or landmark along a certain route and allow the map viewer to choose from a set of options. I believe this aspect of neogeography allows for creativity and a plethora of different maps. Viewers can pick and choose maps that fit their interests or destinations. These maps are also very interactive. Individuals can see videos and pictures to see if a certain restaurant serves delicious looking food or whether a certain park or landmark is worth visiting. These previews are helpful for individuals routing new destinations. Visitors may find these maps quite useful.

However, the pitfalls and consequences of neogeography are also great. Individuals may create maps that are hard to understand or aren't relevant to the viewer. The creator may also have no education and these maps may be created by pure amateurs. Thus, it may not be accurate and it makes one question its reliability and validity. How can one trust a map created by someone they do not know? How can they trust another's preferences? These are questions that remain unanswered. Further, these maps may cater to a specific individual and no one else. Every person has differing preferences and understandings of the world. The fact that neogeography is user-driven makes it prone to biases.