Lab 3 - Neogeography

View T-Shirt Lifecycle in a larger map

Neogeography allows people to create and personalize their own maps to better document and convey their views of the greater world. By utilizing existing tools and application programming interface (API) like Google maps, one can design and highlight location information. The potential of Neogeography lies chiefly in the purpose that it serves. The interactive nature of mashup or dynamic maps enables both the map creator and viewer to more personally understand the content that is being mapped. Connecting certain elements, as well as adding images and media, infuses more meaning into the map.

Pitfalls and consequences of Neogeography exist. The fact that anyone can create maps on Google or other sites diffuses authority. How do we distinguish an authoritative, expert map from a random mashup of useless information? Does the map even serve a purpose? Adding too many dynamic features and multimedia can be distracting and consequently detract from the ultimate goals of the map. Furthermore, there is the issue of privacy. With increased availability of information online today, Google maps could be used to invasively map out otherwise low-key locations, such as military camps or domestic violence shelters. Notwithstanding, I hope that my dynamic map serves a meaningful purpose. Take a look!

Lab 2 - USGS Topographic Maps

The 7.5 Minute Map

1. Beverly Hills
2. Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Burbank, Topanga, Hollywood, Venice, Inglewood
3. 1966
4. Horizontal datums: North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27) and
North America Datum of 1983 (NAD 83)
Vertical datum: National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929
5. 1:24000
6. a) 1/24000 = 5 cm/x
x = 5 cm * 24000 = 120,000 cm = 1,200 m
b) 1/24000 = 5 in/x
x = 5 in * 24000 = 120,000 in
120,000 in * (1 mi/63360 in) = 1.894 mi
c) 1/24000 = x/1 mi
x = 1/24,000 mi
1/24,000 mi * (63360 in/1 mi) = 2.64 in
d) 1/24000 = x/3 km
x = 1.25 * 10^-4 km
(1.25 * 10^-4 km) * (100,000 cm/1 km) = 12.5 cm
7. 20 feet
8. a) 34°4'30" (34.075°) N and 118°26'15" (118.438°) W
b) 34°00'30" (34.008°) N and 118°30'00" (118.5°) W
c) 34°07'00" (34.117°) N and 118°24' 30" (118.408°) W
9. a) 580 ft = 176.784 m
b) 140 ft = 42.672 m
c) 700 ft = 213.36 m
10. UTM Zone 11
11. 361,500 m Easting and 3,763,000 m Northing
12. 1,000,000 m^2
13.

















14. +14°
15. South
16.

Lab 1 - Three Interesting Maps

Arbitrary North

This is a virtually upside-down map of Japan. While initially disorienting, the distinct islands of the archipelago, such as Hokkaido and Honshu, can be readily identified. Looking at Japan unconventionally from a rotated perspective challenges the historical idea of Japan as an isolated country. Personally, this alternative view makes Japan appear much more connected to the rest of Asia, as the Sea of Japan less dauntingly separates the neighboring Asian countries. I find it interesting that depending on one’s orientation of North, maps are subject to new interpretations.

Source: “Japan Prepared to Open Up to the Rest of Asia?” http://www.asahi.com/english/asianet/hatsu/eng_hatsu031011.html. 7:14 pm, Oct. 3, 2010.

Under the Streets of the Bay

Since the fatal San Bruno gas pipe explosion made headlines several weeks ago, Bay Area residents understandably want more information regarding pipeline and shut-off valve locations. With my hometown not far from the explosion site, I share this interest. While PG&E has been reluctant to release any maps due to post-9/11 security concerns, the company finally disclosed a list of Top 100 highest-risk natural gas pipelines, albeit without incredible detail. Here is a California Energy Commission map depicting locations of four Bay Area gas transmission lines with high risk of failure. Line 132, running from Milpitas to San Francisco, is the high-capacity line that burst in San Bruno on Sept. 9.

Source: “Map: PG&E’s Riskiest Pipes” http://www.baycitizen.org/san-bruno-explosion/interactive/pges-riskiest-pipelines/. 8:00 pm, Oct. 3, 2010.

Mapping My Name

Having encountered several Elizabeths in my life, it does not surprise me that it remains among the top 20 most common names in the United States. In fact, my middle name is Elizabeth. Accordingly, I find this Google map pinpointing all street names in North America containing “Elizabeth” quite amusing. Apparently Elizabeth is a common street name as well. From Elizabeth Lane in Irvine, California to Elizabeth Avenue in Staten Island, New York, it spans the nation. “Miki” on the other hand is not so pervasive, yet I am completely content with that. It makes a "Miki" street-finding expedition much more plausible. Try mapping your name too!

Source: “Find Street Names on Google Maps that Have Your Name” http://seo-chief.com/find-street-names-on-google-maps-that-have-your-name/. 9:10 pm, Oct. 3, 2010.


The three maps I chose do not bear significant relation to one another, yet they each represent some unique aspects of mapping. Maps can alter one’s perspective through simple rotation, maps can reveal “invisible” infrastructure within cities, and maps can even be fun visuals. I look forward to working with an extensive variety of maps this quarter.