Assignment 3

View A few Diner's, Drive-in's, and Dive Locations in a larger map

For this assignment I created a map mash-up using Google Maps. My use of the public mapping software is just one example of Neogeography, or the revolution of maps into highly dynamic and personal resources. There are of course countless benefits with this type of information in front of us. We are able to customize and focus on areas that are of interest to us. For example, I created a mash-up of some restaurants featured on the show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, or Triple D; this information is only specific for a certain population who watches the show. Also these maps are extremely convenient and efficient, releasing its users from having to chart destinations themselves. 

            However there are some pitfalls to this new type of geography such as our growing dependence on it. Because interactive maps are useful, abundant and easy to use our reliance has grown tremendously. Without the maps people may have no idea where they are or where they are going. Also because the maps can be crafted so specifically to the users needs, the user may never dare to venture out past the places they are interested about. For example my map of the diners shows the users only locations seen on the show, if they only follow the map they may lose out on some of the other interesting eateries that surround them. Lastly we are stepping away from real interactions and solely relying on virtual ones. We will not really experience the landscape because we are largely charting it with neogeography behind a computer.

Assignment 1



This assingment includes three maps and a description of why I found them intersting. The maps are of the country of Panama, a section of the California city of Long Beach, and The Southern California counties.

Source: Political Map of Panama, focuspublicationsint.com, Accesible at: http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&gl=us&biw=1280&bih=841&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=map+of+panama&aq=f&aqi=g5g-m1&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai= Accesed Oct. 1, 2010 11:35 am

I found this map of the country of Panama interesting because it shows the ten provinces of the country. My family lives in both the city and province of Colon, an area rich in tourism due to its housing of the Panama Canal. Like Colon the other parts of the country have distinct characteristics. To see the map split in this way is interesting because it shows that within the cohesive  country there are different areas that have developed apart from each other. Also the map shows  the small country in relation to the rest of Central America so the viewer may know where it is situated. Lastly the map shows more than just Colon and Panama City which are the country's two most popular areas, the map indicates there is more to Panama.

Source: West Long Beach map , LBRE.com, Accesible at: http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1968873384599216953 Accessed Oct. 1 at 11:20 am

I found this map, a section of the city of Long Beach, interesting for the many of the same reasons I saw in the previous one of  Panama. I have lived in the city of Long Beach for ten years, like Panama I have a special connection to the location. Although not as official as Panama, the city of Long Beach is also divided into different regions. I live in North Long Beach, seen at the top of the map, I attended Poly High seen in the middle of the map, and I often shopped in Belmont Shore, seen at the very bottom. This map is interesting because it shows me just how many miles I can travel in one day. My life is not specific to one part of the city but spans nearly every part. Also like Panama these different areas have developed in different ways, for example my neighborhood and the ritzy Belmont Height areas contrast greatly socioeconomically. 



Source: Southern California Counties, city-data.com Accesbile at: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Southern_California.png/550px- Accesed Oct. 1, 2010 11:40 am

This map of Southern California Counties is interesting because of the size of the areas. For example the Los Angeles County is much smaller than that of San Bernardino, however this small area holds more power and influence. By looking at this view it is hard to imagine that nearly a persons whole life can be contained in such a small area. I rarely leave this area because I live and go to school in it. This map, like the others, also shows that by creating borders pockets of diversity develop.