Michelle Kuecks
Citation Exercise
COMP 2000
March 17, 2009

Getting directions has never been so easy. Computer mapping programs like Mapster and Google use high-tech mapping programs which make traditional maps come to life. As the name suggests, the process blending maps with more tangible data is called mapping mashups. Mapping mashups provide a greater understanding of where one is going by providing details, actual photos, and manipulatives. As described on the Educause Learning Initiative website, “Mapping mashups provide a means for placing data and class lessons into a physical context” (2006). Through mapping mashups, a map is no longer one-dimensional, flat and inflexible. Mashups identify landmarks, import satellite images, and in general give visual aids to literally show the way.

While some embrace technological advances to mapping, others caution that maps are over-manipulated by user-friendly mapping programs. One concern is that mapping mashups create individualized maps with too much information; glossing over basic directions (Ratliff, 2007). David Weinberger also found that “As soon as you leave the latitude/longitude substrate, you get lost in the ambiguous jumble of meaning”(Ratliff, 2007 citing Weinberger). At the end of the day, directions still need to cover the basics such as north, south, east and west.

While the previous works discuss varying views regarding map preparation, computerized mapping programs, and advances in technology, in the end they all assist the traveler. Drew (2001) discusses geography, cartography, and the concept of being a traveler as it relates to teaching composition in the classroom. At first blush, mapping and composition seem unrelated. But to understand the connection, one must think in terms of physical place expressed on a map, and how the writer is greatly influenced by the space in which he writes. Drew refers this as “The Politics of Place”.

Another way of viewing the relationship between a writer and the space in which he writes is to describe it as a “community” (Miller, 1979). The author’s point is that a writer should not isolate himself in the classroom. To Miller, a writer should form connection to his community. While the objective may be for a teacher to teach students to use proper grammar, sentence structure, and technique, those are technicalities. Miller advocates engaging in writing to form a bond with one’s community well outside of the classroom.

References:

Drew, J. (2001). The Politics of Place. In Dobrin, S. & Weisser, C. (Eds.) Ecocomposition: theoretical and pedagogical approaches. (pp. 58) New York: State University of New York Press.

Mapping mashups. (July, 2006). Educause Web Page. Retrieved March 16, 2009, from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7016.pdf

Ratliff, E. (2007). Google maps is changing the way we see the world. Wired Magazine, 15:07. Retrieved from the web March 16, 2009 from http://www.wired.com-/techbiz/it/magazine/15-07/ff_maps?currentPage=all

Miller, C. (1979). A humanistic rationale for technical writing. College English, 40:6. pp. 617.