Neogeography Mash-up

With the utility of Google Maps, the hometowns for each defensive player on the San Diego Chargers can be viewed on this mash-up. View the actual "Where Are the Chargers From" mashup here.

Neogeography, which literally means new geography, is defined as a commonly applied usage of geographic tools and techniques used for personal and community services or for utilization by a non expert group of users. GIS, or Graphic Information Systems, has been used professionally as the mainframe for the United States government's mapping industry. USGS topographic maps are used professionally for reference.

Neogeography, however, has opened the doors to the public. Neogeographic maps, such as Google Maps have moved maps into the public sector. Now it is possible for civilians and amateurs to use maps for personal interests. Neogeography mash-ups do bring controversy, however. Problems such as accuracy arise. Since the vast majority of mash-up users are amateurs the validity of certain maps can come into question. USGS maps are classified as map-centric which means they are used strictly for geographic information. Mash-ups, however, are user-centric which means anyone and everyone can create a map for personal interests. For my example, there is no governing source to see if the towns listed are in fact actually accurate.

Neogeography is relatively new and is quite useful. Though it is not necessarily on the professional standard, its uses can even be more practical than USGS maps in many cases. Neogeography is still budding and making its technological advances. Thus, making new mapping techniques more user friendly.