What is where and why is it there?
Actually, I was quite honored to be asked to present on this topic at Connecting the Offices, which just happened to take place during GIS Day! This event was put together by Esri Nederland’s office managers, for office managers of our users and partners. Participants were not so much geo aware, that is why I came up with the presentation below. Felt my contribution to the day was the least I could do, but here are the main points anyhow.
What is where
This relates to topography, describing places. How ‘we’ do that has changed quite a bit through time. Cartographers have always given their best estimates of what the world looks like, sometimes representing only half of a countries (e.g. New Zealand on the map of the world in the Royal Palace in Amsterdam).
So maps are just images of reality and some maps, which describe a possible future, will never become reality.
And why there?
This is where it may become interesting: geographic analysis. What happens where when etc. When the sea level rises, what does Southern Florida look like? Where do people with the same last name live (and why is that so?)? Of course I added a bit on hyperlocal media and how that influences geographic questions.
It is a good sign when you need to stare at a map a bit. Some data is just hard to visualize, which it makes it a rather more interesting challenge.
Geographic thinking
Asking geographic questions, but in a structured framework. Brought my own example of last year’s Mapping My LinkedIn Connections project. We did ask all participants a question as well: where were you born, where do you live and which places do you go to, to get inspired? It leads to interesting conversations.
I ended my presentation with a sneak preview of Nederland van Boven, which is becoming a topic hard to avoid in the small world of geographic information in the Netherlands….
Again, it was great to present to this audience. Made me realize how much I need such fine colleagues to make order out of chaos (at times, of course, only at times…)
Good stuff. I would add one more question after “What is where?” and “Why?” The final question is “So what?” In short, “What do we do about this?” “Is it ok as is?” “Does it need intervention?” “Can we make it better?”
I learned that in grad school from Paul Simkins who alas passed away last year. Needless to say, it’s stuck with me.
you are very right about that! I did mention it in the part about ‘a more structured approach’. It is good that we remember our teachers. see http://www.kortsteroutes.nl/geography-teachers-mattered/
I got the phrase from our of my colleagues.
I am behind on my Letter from the Low Lands, some last minute stuff from our upcoming conference (hope to surpass the 2500 limit again soon). Stepping down as president end of this month, should have more time after that!