Discussion Topics

Chapter 1:

• What is a medium?

• How does a medium influence communication?

• Describe how one medium might be able to communicate a particular message that another medium cannot.

• Why do many people not use maps?

• Why do some people have problems using maps?

• How can maps become more like a conversation?

• What is meant by "cartographic communication?"

• Describe some paradigm shifts in cartography during the past 40 years?

• Why have computers been used to make maps?

• How would you define "computer mapping?"

• What is a geographic information system?

• Why was a general transition from "computer mapping" to "geographic information systems?"

• What is the "data-base view of maps?"

• Why would some cartographers argue that visualization is nothing new?

• What makes visualization different from an ordinary graphic display?

• What is the difference between a map and a virtual reality scene?

• Have computers made maps easier to use?

• Have computers increased the map user audience?

• Have computers allowed some map users to become more sophisticated users of maps?

• What is the relationship between mental maps and maps?

• What information is used in the creation of a mental map?

• Why was the first map ever produced more interactive than maps today on paper?

• How does a mental map affect a person's interaction with their environment?

• In what sense can mental maps incorporate emotions?

• How were maps used as an instrument of the nation-state?

• What transition took place between the "nation-state" use of maps and "people's" use of maps?

• Why do governments maintain control over many types of maps?

• What is the significance of the difference between general reference and thematic maps?

• Which type of map has been the most computerized?

• Is the classification of data necessary on maps?

• What is "Gutenberg Man?"

• What creates a more pervasive form of communication?

• What does "the medium is the message" really mean?

• How has the medium of paper influenced the message of maps?

• What is "paper thinking" in cartography?

• How close are we to the development of a Superboard?

• What are the main technological limitations?