Education

Internet Mapping Demolishing British History?

The Independent publishes an article today wherein Mary Spence, President of the British Cartographic Society claims internet mapping is leading to a loss of appreciation for British history and culture. I disagree - wrong, wrong, wrong. If anything, internet mapping has led to an increase in the appreciation of maps, cartography and the value of visual cartographic products.

The article goes on to point the finger at Google's doorstep for causing this to happen. British Ordnance Survey is producing some of the highest quality maps in the world today - a fact most in the know about maps already appreciate. The issue of map reading skills is clearly an educational issue. Britain has an excellent opportunity for students there to learn about history, culture and places in that country, providing the government supports the teaching of cartography and geography - period.

The problem is not Google's or internet mapping, the problem lies at the doorstep of a society that does not put geography and its associated technologies at the forefront. It is puzzling that the British government would not take steps to build on the excellence of Ordnance Survey mapping, and teach students more fully. It is already 5 steps ahead of most of the world.

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