Old Map vs. New Map

Although they often lack geographic accuracy, old maps are useful tools in evaluating the landscape’s history. For example, the map to the left depicts the Western United States in 1841, 25 years before Nevada became a state and many more years before the Western frontier was settled. This map is a historical artifact, in that, it highlights where California and Oregon’s borders began and ended. Borders change with time and politics, and the nascent American Republic is no exception. Historical maps are also intriguing, because they raise a variety of questions about the cartographic methods used by early geographers. For instance, how were maps drawn? How long did it take them to be drawn? How accurate are early historical depictions of the Earth? What traditions have persevered over time?

New maps are useful for obvious reasons. They are (usually) geographically accurate and abide by cartographic conventions. Color and content are among the conventions established in New maps are useful for obvious reasons. They are (usually) geographically accurate and abide by cartographic conventions. Color and content are among the conventions established in modern cartography, and they are useful, because they provide map-readers with a sense of consistency. More importantly, conventions make maps easier for the layperson to read. New maps are also useful, in that, they are not limited by tradition. By this I mean, maps are more than pieces of paper you hang on the wall; they can be animated or produced from satellite imagery. New maps are capable of introducing the lay map-reader to a new world of geographic understanding. modern cartography, and they are useful, because they provide map-readers with a sense of consistency. More importantly, conventions make maps easier for the layperson to read. New maps are also useful, in that, they are not limited by tradition. By this I mean, maps are more than pieces of paper you hang on the wall; they can be animated or produced from satellite imagery. New maps are capable of introducing the lay map-reader to a new world of geographic understanding.

Mapping the News

News maps are incredibly useful tools in illustrating points that are difficult to articulate. Take for instance, the map pictured below.



This map illustrates the security status of the country of Afghanistan. The purpose of this map is to highlight those areas that are high security threats. The article accompanying this map details the efforts being made by NATO, Britain, and the United States to secure these areas from the Taliban. I would argue that using a map to tell this story is more useful than words. A writer could summarize the provinces where security is a problem, but he or she would not be able to capture the geographic significance of these locations. Maps provide much-needed context, which allow the reader to question and criticize. By looking at the map of Afghanistan, one might wonder what role Pakistan plays in the security debacle or why security threats are concentrated along Afghanistan’s southern rim.

On the other hand, maps can lead to faulty assumptions. Maps are intended to be generalizations of land and human activity. Unfortunately, news, and the news’ underlying issues, can exceed the average map in complexity. This being the case, it is important that newsmakers collaborate with cartographers on news stories to prevent oversimplification.

Source: http://www.economist.com/world/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8733593