I've been a computer enthusiast (geek?) for as long as I can remember, going all the way back to my first Commodore 64 over 25 years ago. I've also had another passion for just as long, one that has (in large part) fueled my love of the outdoors: maps.
This video, which is from the Yosemite Nature Notes Series, gets right to the point. Maps allow us not only to explore, but to dream about, ponder, plan, and retrace adventures in the world around us. They can represent everything that's amazing, unknown, and exciting about virtually every point on the planet.
The invention of the computer has certainly made maps easier to create, but with tablet devices gaining acceptance at an exponetial rate, an entire new set of possiblities for map and geographic information data is coming to the forefront. One of the most exciting projects is Tilemill, which aims to make it easier to create fabulous maps from the vast array of publically available data.
Using tools like Tilemill, Cloudmade, and other resources makes it easy to create digital interactive maps. These tools can be extended with traditional tools like Adobe Illustrator to create high-quality custom maps for digital and printed use. That's where I plan to focus my energy in the near future.
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