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.