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About this episode

How Do You Know Where You Are? A Survey of Cartographic Technology from Ancient Egypt to the iPhone Ed McNierney May 12, 2011 Plans and maps have been around for millenia, but recently it's become possible for just about anyone to create their own maps as well as using maps created by professionals. Even ancient technology is still used every day. We'll take a complete tour of geodesy (the science of measuring the Earth) and cartography (the art of creating maps) to give everyone a thorough understanding of just what it means to be able to tell someone where you are. You'll understand how all the bits and pieces fit together, and what new and interesting ideas are coming to the mapmaking world. Ed McNierney was the founder and creator of TopoZone, the first online topographic map and aerial photo Web site, in 1999. He designed and implemented the technology behind TopoZone, and was a Strategic Partner with the USGS in the design of The National Map. He ran TopoZone's business for recreational and professional users until selling the company to Demand Media in 2007. He's also a local mapmaker and GIS advisor, and creator of the Groton Conservation Trust's map of conservation properties.

• Release Date

  Nov 14, 2011

• Runtime

  57:01