NeoGeography

View Mediterranean Climates in a larger map

This map shows the parts of the world that are dominated by a Mediterranean climate. These areas are associated with subtropical high pressure systems. Seeing different locations with the same climate can show similarities in the agriculture. And when studying agriculture, the linkages between different parts of the world become clearer and more understandable. It is important to know that climate is one of the dominating factors effecting agriculture and Mediterranean climates have distinct natural vegetation. Because agriculture is an important part of culture, it is possible to find many similarities within these locations in regards to traditions, food, and many other aspects of culture. It is also interesting to see the fact that locations with the same climate could be completely different from one another, different traditions, different languages, different clothing, etc. Of course climate only effects humans to a certain point, and thereafter it is up to us to determine the aspects of our own cultures. 

Neogeography allows people in all walks of life to collaborate their ideas and create a visual projection of their theories. By allowing non-professionals to make their own maps with a system like Google Maps, the creators are allowing a rapid spread of ideas. Not every map needs to be for educational purposes, but merely to share information in an aesthetically pleasing way that allows people to better understand the subject at hand and understand connections that would otherwise be unthought of. 

Although the possibilities are endless and an application like Google Maps can allow users to experience cartography and master the art of geographic relationships and interconnectivity, it is very easy for some viewers to see the maps without understanding the possibility that they are in fact not scientifically correct, or even reality based. When maps are created by individuals uneducated about certain aspects that correlate to the map at hand, there will of course be missing facts and/or skewed information. However, some maps are not meant to be all knowing and all correct, but to relay an idea. So each viewer should understand that there will always be a bias and an intention with each map and it is important to know who created it and why. Maps that are not understood to be biased could cause serious problems if used to educate others that consider the factual and correct. It is important to teach the aspects of neogeography and biases when looking at any map, to show the ones who are being taught that maps are versatile and dynamic, always changing and always opinionated.