The power of maps

Maps fascinate. Show us a map and we get excited; If it is a world map or a treasure map or just the map in our navigation system, it will take us to places we have never been before, in reality or in our head.

Maps are everywhere. Nowadays, we use maps day-in day-out, directly or indirectly. Look at the news or read the newspaper and we are likely to see at least 10 different maps. Take our car and we are navigated over a detailed road map. Did you know that 80% of all data has a geographical link? Moreover, we use the language of maps integral in our lives (e.g. we have achieved something if we put ourselves on the map).

Maps provide overview. If we are lost, we need a map to show us where we are. If there is a flood, aerial or satellite imagery show us a complete overview of the damage. In the more recent map applications, we even each stand, individually, at the centre of our own map!

Maps spotlight. Maps are ideal to set certain issues under attention. Satellite maps showing the rapid melting of the arctic ice put the global warming issue central. Besides indicating the quality of your roof insulation, thermographic heath maps spotlight the importance of energy savings.

Maps answer. Maps give concrete answers to complex and often urgent problems. How many people live in this new refugee camp? What is the financial or environmental cost if this dike would break? Did you know that a considerable contribution to the peace agreements in 95 making an end to the Bosnia-war came from geo-data? Only clear maps and a height model were able to convince all parties to accept the proposed new borders.

Maps monitor. Looking at differences between imagery over time, changes in tropical forests or urban sprawl can be detected and monitored.

Maps predict. Not only can maps look at how it was a century ago, they are also powerful to look at the future. Famine can be predicted through satellite monitoring of agricultural crops. The outbreak of vector borne diseases can be anticipated based on weather forecasts and land cover maps.

Maps tell a story. In many complex problems (e.g. climate change), we lack the ability to imagine how things could be. Often it is not the technology or rules that prevent us from moving ahead, but this disability to see the future! Maps concretise our ideas and paint a vivid picture of what could be. They have the power to simulate future scenarios and hence can function as thé story teller we need to mobilize people in this transition process towards a more respectful and sustainable society.

Maps call for action. One of the most appealing features of maps is that all journeys are feasible. Maps make our idea possible and “invite us” to start with it. Through easy-to-use map applications, we can e.g. indicate geo-located problems to the responsible authorities or suggest other citizen what nice, kids-friendly bar we just discovered.

Maps are powerful! It is not by coincidence that the true opposite of the word “SPAM” is “MAPS”!!