I am a map geek with an accumulation of maps that I cannot really justify. Maps are useful because of what they ignore and what they exaggerate. Road maps, train maps, aviation maps, bicycle maps : they're a study in communicating. I have bike maps that color-code roads based on their bicycle-friendliness (traffic, shoulders, speed limits). I have NPR maps that show what public radio stations are available along different highways and in different cities. I love maps.
The Economist is one of a few magazines I subscribe to and read because it's good for me -- I once read an article by futurist Joel Barker who recommended that non-holistic techies (to be kind) would benefit by reading outside the geek boundary.
Recently an Economist cover presented a thought-provoking map depicting China's View of the World:
The artwork follows (and recognizes) a famous 1976 New Yorker Magazine cover by Saul Steinberg, (slide show) depicting a NY-centric view of world geography. This has always been a favorite of mine because I'm from NY and it rings true. When I was in the service I taped a copy of this inside my locker door; it was a memory of home for me. Here's Steinberg's comment on the perception of New Yawkers, looking west from 9th Ave: hi-res version
There are other city maps based on Steinberg's concept.
Amsterdam | TelAviv | |
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Atlanta | A Political Map: |
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Post 9/11 | Global Warming |
I have been looking for a "Pittsburgh: A View of the World", because if there was ever a place with a parochial world-view, Pittsburgh is it. I haven't found one yet. So, here's my question: Does anybody have a Pittsburgh View of the World image?
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