The Relevance of Cartography

2016-10-07

event

Colloquium

By Georg Gartner, Full Professor of Cartography at the Vienna University of Technology.

Thursday, 10/13, Noon - 1:30. Room K401, CGIS Knafel building, 1737 Cambridge St.

Abstract: Today maps can be created and used by any individual stocked with just modest computing skills from virtually any location on Earth and for almost any purpose. In this new mapmaking paradigm users are often present at the location of interest and produce maps that address needs that arise instantaneously. Cartographic data may be digitally and wirelessly delivered in finalized form to the device in the hands of the user or he may derive the requested visualization from downloaded data in situ. Rapid advances in technologies have enabled this revolution in map making by the millions. One such prominent advance includes the possibility to derive maps very quickly immediately after the data has been acquired by accessing and disseminating maps through the internet. Real-time data handling and visualization are other significant developments as well location-based services, mobile cartography augmented reality.

Thus Cartography is seen by many as facing a change of paradigms currently. This presentation reviews the enormous diversity of fundamental questions which are appearing in modern cartography based on these developments. It argues that a theoretical fundament is necessary to be able to define the core elements of a discipline. The role of international efforts in this respect is discussed and will be highlighted. By discussing current cartographic research projects of the Vienna University of Technology the vision of a contemporary, modern, innovative, attractive domain of Cartography is discussed.

Speaker Bio:

Georg Gartner is a Full Professor for Cartography at the Vienna University of Technology. He holds graduate qualifications in Geography and Cartography from the University of Vienna and received his Ph.D. and his Habilitation from the Vienna University of Technology. He was awarded a Fulbright grant to the USA and several research visiting fellowships. He was Dean for Academic Affairs for Geodesy and Geoinformation at Vienna University of Technology. He is Editor of the Book Series “Lecture Notes on Geoinformation and Cartography” by Springer and Editor of the “Journal on LBS” by Taylor & Francis. He served from 2011 - 2015 as President of the International Cartographic Association.

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