The Evolution Of Online Mapping

The dynamic applications possible for online mapping create new opportunities for education, from helping to preserve the architecture of Los Angeles, to sharing the immigrant experience of New York. The variations on the map theme show the power in this evolving technology.

"Maps...have gone through pivotal changes since the introduction of the Web. Remember that it was only a few years ago that the height of cartographic interactivity came from sticking a pin through a map, and the definition of 'user friendly' was a chart that was easy to fold. Now, you can feed a destination to a map, and it will find 'unfold' to your designated location for you, some will give you a choice of topographical, road, or satellite renderings, and almost all will be holding additional information under the primary interface. Poke as hard as you want on your paper map, it's not going to tell you a thing about local businesses, or show you pictures or live streaming video from that location."

This story includes coverage of Google Earth and Curating the City (a Planetizen Top Website of 2006).

Thanks to Linda LaSut