Chapter 1. Introduction to Digital Mapping

Not long ago, people drew and colored their maps by hand. Analyzing data and creating the resulting maps was slow and labor intensive. Digital maps, thanks to the ever-falling cost of processing power and storage, have opened up a whole new range of possibilities. With the click of a mouse or a few lines of code, your computer analyzes, draws, and color-themes your map data. From the global positioning system (GPS) in your car to the web site displaying local bus routes, digital mapping has gone mainstream.

Of course, learning to produce digital maps requires some effort. Map data can be used incorrectly, resulting in maps with errors or misleading content. Digital mapping doesn't guarantee quality or ethics, just like conventional mapping.