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The Advantages of Mapmaking

Maps are visual representations of the world. Although they traditionally provide information on the Earth̵7;s geography, maps can also be used to represent many landscapes such as the human brain or imaginary worlds. People have made maps since ancient times to assist in trade, exploration and warfare. In the 21st century, mapmaking still serves practical purposes and also offers an engaging hobby.

Strategic Uses
- Creating a map of an area gives an advantage when planning an activity, since the map can be utilized to get a clear view of the area and to deduce any problems connected to its geography. The strategic applications of mapmaking are varied. For example, the commanders of a military campaign would create a map to work out where to position troops and to analyze weak or strong spots of a given position. Hikers heading into an area could use a map to plan their route and to avoid potentially dangerous areas.
Environmental Maps
- Specially crafted maps help to highlight environmental issues within an area. Maps can be created in response to a natural disaster like an earthquake for example, to help rescue and relief teams identify the worst-affected areas and where they̵7;ll be able to get supplies through. Creating a map within a town could help people to "go green" by highlighting recycling points or areas needing cleanup efforts.
Educational Benefits
- Mapmaking is an activity practiced in geography classes of all levels. Mapmaking helps students understand why maps have been created throughout history and how to make them accurate and useful. Individuals can learn about the kinds of information -- demographic or political, for example -- that can be gained from a map. It also allows them to see how maps have altered human activity, for example, affecting how wars have been waged. Students can also experiment with computer programs, exploring digital mapmaking.
Information in a New Way
- Information can be delivered in a variety of formats, and sometimes it̵7;s most effective to utilize a map to bring the information to people̵7;s attention. Especially in the case of digital maps, information can be manipulated to gain different viewpoints, deepen knowledge and experiment with alternative possibilities. For example, maps have been created describing parts of the human brain, to help medical professionals understand the workings of this organ. In 2011, the Paul Allen Institute for Brain Science published maps that indicate gene expressions in the brain, allowing scientists to study gene function in that organ.

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