Monday, October 27. 2008

Map Misuse

No, alas I don't have a story of people using maps for the wrong purpose, rather of a journalist using the term map inappropriately. Perhaps it was an editor? The article in PC World carefully details the recent deals between Google and Microsoft and DigitalGlobe and GeoEye. It explains the details of the satellites and their resolutions and notes how imagery can provide different information than computer generated maps. Then comes the "misuse:"

As a result, it will "take some time," admitted a Google spokeswoman, before the new GeoEye maps begin trickling into Google Earth. In the meantime, Google will continue to use DigitalGlobe maps -- the same maps Microsoft now has access -- for many parts of the world.

Even when the GeoEye maps become available, Google won't be able to display them at their maximum resolution because of U.S. security rules governing satellite photos. Rather, Google will have to ratchet the resolution down to 1.6 meters per pixel.

Posted by Adena Schutzberg in Oops at 06:00 | Comments (6) | Trackbacks (0) |

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How do you define "map"?

I would argue that a satellite-captured scene constitutes a map by most definitions.

#1 Eric Wolf on 2008-10-27 09:02 (Reply)

Eric,

I agree that "map" sure could mean satellite imagery per my definition, too. But why then use the term imagery in the first half of the article, then all of the sudden switch to "map"?

Adena

#1.1 Adena Schutzberg (Link) on 2008-10-27 09:18 (Reply)

My thinking is that "GeoEye derived maps" or "GeoEye" images would work. Google displays both satellite images, and maps, but the GeoEye does not directly produce maps.

#2 Graham on 2008-10-28 09:49 (Reply)

Google uses aerial photography and misnames it as satellite imagery. No wonder journalists are confused.

#3 Roy on 2008-10-28 09:57 (Reply)

Sorry. I disagree. Maps are "drawn," whereas satellite imagery is a photograph. At some point, the map needed interpretation (even if we're just using NAVTEQ data) to depict a representation of information. Photographs are not representations.

#4 Ken Gross (Link) on 2008-10-28 22:22 (Reply)

Ken,

Interesting point. I see it the other way: photographs are representations. The interpretation is done not by the cartographer with pen in hand, but by the sensor (camera), a tool developed by a team of human engineers.

Adena

#4.1 Adena Schutzberg (Link) on 2008-10-29 06:35 (Reply)

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In reply to	[ Top level ]#1: Eric Wolf on 2008-10-27 09:02   #1.1: Adena Schutzberg on 2008-10-27 09:18 #2: Graham on 2008-10-28 09:49 #3: Roy on 2008-10-28 09:57 #4: Ken Gross on 2008-10-28 22:22   #4.1: Adena Schutzberg on 2008-10-29 06:35
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