Lab 3 - Neogeography

View Geog 7 - The Big Bang Theory in a larger map


Neogeography or "new geography" is the idea of using and creating maps for personal use or for a community use. They are made by people that are not considered "professionals" and are more informal. Neogeography has an ease to its use and is useful for sharing information for a personal use such as with friends and family. It makes it easier for people to gain access to map information. Also, this technology is beneficial because it allows people to share directions to each other with more clarity than written down street signs. People are provided the tools they need to create any map as they please. 


The downside of neogeography is the unreliability of the information. Because it is created by "unprofessionals" and generally people who are not credited to make maps, the information that a map provides may not be exact. The information may also be skewed towards the map maker's interest. Point in being is the map that I have personally created for this lab. Neogeography allows us to map out these different locations for our own personal purposes and does not follow a strict or uniform rule about what can and cannot be mapped out. 


This map in particular is an example of neography made through the google maps feature. It maps out a few of the popular locations that are seen in the television show, "The Big Bang Theory." This map, though fairly based off fiction, is purposeful to the community that has an interest in the television show and are interested in experiencing the lives of these fictional characters. Though this map is a positive example of neogeography in that anything can be mapped out based on the user's desires without much limitations, the downside is the credibility of the maps that are created. The credibility of the map should not turn people away from neogeography though because the benefits of it are still much greater.