interactive maps

The internet and computers in general are revolutionizing the way we use maps. Maps can be put together in a string and run together in an animation. Maps can be adjusted to show certain details or compare data on seperate maps on one map. web sites like mapquest and google maps allow you to create a map with only the information you want and the level of detail you need.

Mapping the news

Maps play an important role in telling stories. They help to clarely show where a particular story is taking place and illustrate spatial relationships between places regardless of weather they are fictional places or not. One example of the importance of maps to help tell a story is in the news. A traffic report would be too confusing to try and keep track of all the information if only read the report. With a map to go along with it, the viewer can visualize the information making it much easier to pick out the information that is important to him or her. For example, when presented with a textual list of information, it can be teadious to read through the entire report just to get a pice of information you are looking for:

 All routes are open with no controls with the following exceptions:

SR88:
- Snowtires or chains required for 19.4 miles between Hams Station
 California and Silver Lake California.
- Chains mandatory for 12.3 miles between Silver Lake California and
 6.7 miles west of Junction State Route 89 at Picketts Junction.

SR89:
- Road closed for 7.69 miles between 2.8 miles north of Junction US 50
 and Bliss State Park.

SR225:
- Snowtires or chains required for 73.14 miles between 0.03 miles
 north of Junction State Route 226 at Lone Mountain Station and Idaho
 State Line.

SR226:
- Snowtires or chains required for 17.4 miles between Junction State
 Route 225 and 0.6 miles south of Junction Tuscarora Road.
- Snowtires or chains required for 11.18 miles between 5.09 miles
 south of Junction Jack Creek Road and 3.65 miles north of Chicken
 Creek Summit.

SR228:
- Snowtires or chains required for 26.81 miles between Jiggs and
 Junction State Route 227.

SR229:
- Snowtires or chains required for 24.33 miles between 0.18 miles east
 of Lower Lamoille Road and 0.43 miles west of Junction State Route
 767.

SR722:
- Snowtires or chains required for 0.05 miles between West Junction US
 50 Near Eastgate and 0.05 miles east of West Junction US 50 Near
 Eastgate.

END

The same information as above plus additional information shown in a map below is much easier to get an idea of where and the road restrictions are at a glance:

Traffic isn't the only way news stories use maps though. Weather reports use maps to show where precipitation is falling or what direction a storm system is moving. Stories about events use maps to help clarify where the story is taking place. The news just wouldn't be as easy to understand with out the use of maps.