Lab#3

View A Trip to New York in a larger map




          Neogeography opens up a wide array of tools that allow an easier access to gathering and compiling information for geographers to use. It is also a public good where most, if not all, people have access to. With the help of Web 2.0, people can create their own personal maps that's centered on places and objects that deems interesting and/or important to that particular individual. The creator can also allow friends and people to have public access to share and learn about a place that the creator have been to. For example, I used Google Map, an example of a mash-up tool, to help create my own personal map that track a place that I visited this Winter. Google Map made locating the place easier and have mini-trackers to pinpoint places I have been to. This tool also allowed me to incorporate descriptions, pictures, and videos to further illustrate my experience from the trip.
          There are also con's about having such an advance technology that allowed public access. There can be invasion of privacy because almost all that have Internet access can pull up information on people's address and location. It can be a very useful tool if used right, but if it falls on the wrong hands, people can plan attacks. Another shortfall could be the erroneous usage of information where the public have open access to. This is a question of authority and accountability because the public is most likely don't know where the source of information coming from. Also, it can greatly skew the point of view of the public to suit what the creator intended.