Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Dan Scollon at TEDxRedding

Summary

This video explores the evolution of maps and their influence on how we perceive and interact with the world. From ancient navigation to modern geographic information systems (GIS), maps have evolved into tools for organizing, advocating, and shaping the future. The speaker highlights examples like satellite imagery in Borneo, community-based mapping efforts, and digital tools for urban planning and environmental conservation. By democratizing knowledge, modern mapping technologies empower individuals and communities to reclaim their land, improve infrastructure, and foster local economies while addressing global challenges like deforestation and resource management.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The iconic 1972 Earth image heightened awareness of the planet's interconnectedness, prompting significant advances in mapping technologies.
• 🌃 Satellite images of Earth at night highlight energy consumption patterns and population distribution, revealing sparse populations in areas like Canada, Central Asia, and parts of the US.
• 🚚 Modern transportation networks, including highways, railways, and airlines, link global cities, demonstrating humanity's interconnectivity.
• 🗺️ Maps have evolved over time, from ancient Polynesian stick maps to digital, geotagged maps that provide real-time information and guide decision-making.
• 🌐 Social media and geospatial technology have transformed communication, playing key roles in events like the Arab Spring and Occupy Movement, and even in disaster response.
• 🌳 In Borneo, deforestation threatens indigenous communities, but community-based participatory mapping efforts have empowered local populations to defend their land rights.
• 📊 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help visualize and analyze data, aiding in everything from court cases to urban planning and environmental conservation.
• 🍷 Interactive maps connect consumers with local producers, such as wineries and olive oil makers, fostering local economic development.
• 🚶‍♂️ Mapping projects in Northern California include efforts to conserve biodiversity, improve trail systems, and optimize transportation planning.
• 🖼️ Maps are no longer just tools of the powerful; they can now be used for advocacy, democratization, and envisioning a more equitable and sustainable future.

Q & A

What is the significance of the iconic image taken in 1972 mentioned in the script?

The iconic image from 1972 altered human consciousness about the Earth and our interconnectedness. It marked a turning point in how we perceive the planet and our relationship with the environment.

How have today's maps changed the way we interact with the world?

Today’s maps, enhanced by new mapping technologies and geographic information systems (GIS), allow us to interact with the world in more complex ways, such as real-time navigation, understanding energy consumption patterns, and aiding in disaster response.

What is the most visible pattern in the composite image of North America and Asia at night?

The most visible pattern is the prodigious consumption of energy, especially when comparing North America with the larger populations of India and China.

How do ancient maps, such as Polynesian stick maps, differ from modern maps?

Ancient maps, like the Polynesian stick maps, were used for navigation in specific regions like the Pacific. Modern maps, however, are largely digital and can zoom into any location, providing detailed and real-time information about places worldwide.

What role did social media play in recent global events mentioned in the script?

Social media facilitated communication during significant global events like the Arab Spring and Occupy Movement, enabling people to share real-time information and organize revolutions.

How did community-based participatory mapping help indigenous communities in Borneo?

Community-based participatory mapping, using GPS and GIS, helped indigenous communities in Borneo document their lands and protect them from deforestation. These maps were successfully used in courts to defend their land rights.

What challenges have arisen due to deforestation in Borneo?

Borneo has experienced rapid deforestation, with 80% of its land cleared or degraded. This threatens the survival of indigenous communities and the island's biodiversity.

What kind of mapping projects are being carried out in Northern California, as mentioned in the script?

Several projects include mapping wineries, vineyards, olive oil producers, community service organizations, conservation efforts for fish habitats, and trail systems to promote healthy lifestyles and tourism.

How are maps being used to improve transportation planning in Northern California?

GIS professionals in Northern California are using maps to plan transportation infrastructure by identifying areas of high traffic concentration and improving efficiency and livability through data-driven decision-making.

What is the broader social and political impact of modern mapping technologies?

Modern mapping technologies democratize access to information, enabling marginalized communities to defend land rights, organize movements, and advocate for social change, but they can also be misused for exploitation, inequality, and privacy violations.