Geography has evolved greatly from clay tablets to digital maps. Technology has been a catalyst for this evolution, from metal plate maps to using databases and visualization with digital geography. Modern uses of digital mapping include change detection, network analysis, and proximity analysis. The Valley of Khans project utilizes digital tools like imagery and computer vision to identify archaeological sites in Mongolia without disturbing them. Mapmaking has expanded from PCX maps on floppy disks to interactive mobile apps. Geography in the 21st century involves GIS analysis, web publishing, custom mapping, e-commerce, and mobile applications.

1. GEOGRAPHY IN 21ST
CENTURY
Mani Singh | President (MapXL) | Compare Infobase
Limited

2. 6th century BC – 21st Century
AD
History of geography began from clay tablets during
Babylonian times to mapmaking from horseback in the
1800s to digital maps produced by computers.

3. Technology is the catalyst
An example of the mix of passion and
technology – Earth Atlas…

4. Metal Plate with the map

5. Map on the proofing table

6. Checking the map sheets

7. How a map is marked up

9. Digital Geography

10. “Digital geography has enabled people to think
about geography in abstract ways using
databases and visualization”
- Jack Dangermond

11. Usages of Digital Mapping
 Change Detection: Mapping, quantifying &
analysing spatio-temporal changes in agriculture,
forest, urban, climate etc.
 Network Analysis – Routing, vehicle tracking
 Proximity Analysis – Dumping Grounds,
Dealership locations
 Exploration – The Valley of Khans Project

13. The Valley of Khans
 A nondestructive archaeological survey
utilizing digital tools from a variety of
disciplines, including
 digitalimagery,
 computer vision,
 nondestructive surveying, and
 on-site digital archaeology.
 The goal is to identify archaeological sites
without disturbing them–in the area of
Mongolia's most sacred heritage–Genghis
Khan's homeland.

14. My brush with Geography past two
decades…
2004 2010
1998 2000 GIS Mapping Mobile Maps &
1991
JPG Maps Interactive Flash Geo referenced Apps
PCX Maps
Raster map Maps vector maps for Highly interactive
Delivered in 5”1/4
images for Vector maps with data and delivered
floppy disk
websites interactive data representation & through mobile
analysis devices.
Expanding mediums, Changing Horizons

15. Map Making Process

16. One to many
GIS Analysis like
Web publishing through
proximity analysis,
MapServer/Image Maps
network analysis
Central GIS
Database
Maps for mobile Publication of Atlases,
applications tourist maps

17. Online Mapping
 MapsofIndia.com & MapsofWorld.com are
thematic map portals.
 Maps published online for free/paid usage in
JPG files.
 Interactive education map tools like IKAAILand
 Information Mapping for events like elections,
epidemics

20. Custom Mapping
 Publishing projects
 Location mapping projects
 Proximity Analysis
 Thematic mapping projects

21. E-commerce
 Online map store selling published map
products from publishers world-wide
 North America – National Geographic, Replogle
 Europe – Gardners
 Australia – Hema Maps
 India – SatNav Technologies

22. Mobile Apps
 World Altas for iPads
 My Quiz for iPads/iPhone & Androids
 City Guides for iPhones/iPads – Bangkok,
Manhattan

23. A map never gets finished
Thank you!!!