In the modern era, digital mapping has revolutionized the way maps are created, accessed, and used. The term « MAP » refers to a digital map, which can be accessed through various mediums such as smartphones, computers, and modern-day GPS systems. Digital maps provide a wealth of information at the click of a button, from simple directions to complex geographic data.
One of the most popular platforms for digital mapping is Google Maps. Launched in 2005, Google Maps quickly became a household name and has become the go-to destination for people looking to explore the world practically. Google Maps offers a wide range of features, from real-time traffic updates to 3D views of buildings and streets. It’s one of the most valuable tools for individuals and businesses, from finding nearby restaurants and directions to assessing street views for real estate agents.
Beyond the personal usability, MAPs can be extremely beneficial for governments and organizations. Various government agencies use maps in disaster response, planning transportation, and energy usage. A city council could use a map of their city to identify areas that need additional infrastructure, e.g., schools, hospitals, parks. A technology company could use a map to analyze internet usage in different countries to assist in their global expansion.
However, MAP doesn’t just provide valuable resources for navigation and planning purposes, they also help address social and economic inequalities. For example, organizations like the Social Progress Imperative have attempted to rationalize social and economic data visualization and have made valuable contributions by levelling the playing field of statistics. The map feature aids their efforts by providing the public with a visual of regions where certain societal indicators such as health, equality, and education are lacking.
Furthermore, MAP providers have been able to contribute to these organizations’ noble works through a process known as crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing refers to the practice of obtaining opinions or contributions from individuals or organizations via digital platforms. Digital mapping providers such as Open Street Map allow anyone to contribute to a crowd-sourced data bank by integrating data from individual users as well as verified sources.
Overall, the use of MAP has transformed the way we interact with cartography and how we perceive the world around us. Digital mapping has enabled access to information on geographical levels that would be impossible to explore physically. Governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals who seek to enhance the quality of life of people have benefited from digital mapping massively. It has become an indispensable tool that improves social, economic and environmental outlook for communities at large.