Geography 7 Lab 3

View Spain Study Abroad Trip in a larger map

Neogeography refers to a new, informal form of geography that is rapidly developing today. Tools such as MapQuest and Google Maps allow untrained individuals to make maps using a variety of existing tools. Neogeography has much potential because it does not require prior map-making knowledge. An untrained person like me can create a map of a hiking trip or a vacation in Europe as I did above. It was the first time I had made a map and I was able to figure it out pretty easily. Furthermore, features such as adding photos, videos, or links to places on a map can be very helpful in the organization of information. As seen on my map, using neogeography I was able to not only map various locations that I visited but I was also able to give an address, a description of the place, a photo/video, and links for further information. This allows for great organization and can be very helpful for others interested in visiting those areas. Neogeography is full of potential, as new features become available and current systems are improved, neogeography will also improve.

Although neogeography has much potential, it is not without its pitfalls. Because neogeography is intended for untrained users, the potential for error is extremely high. Not only could someone purposely deceive others with misinformation, but someone may also accidently misreport information because of improper use of features or simply a mapping mistake. Although neogeography is intended for untrained map-makers, there is still some training required to make use of all features. Many people may not be aware on how to attach a photo or video onto a map and they may make a mistake. Furthermore, the programs themselves and the tools within may lead to certain errors. Although it may not be common, map making sites occasionally make errors on the locations of places. For example, although Google Maps allows you to search a place by name in order to find the address, at times the address given is outdated or incorrect. In conclusion, neogeography has provided average people with great tools to organize information and create valuable maps, however, human deception, human error, and system errors all pose threats to the validity and quality of these new maps.