Sharing Maps
Sharing MapsFollowing the rise of web-based mapping, maps are readily shared across the web – occasionally even going viral. The web today has maps in every corner, and a particualrly efficient way to share maps with large audiences is via social media. Social media platforms like Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky provide an easy way to share both interactive and static maps, as well as links to external sites that allow more than a short explanation of your work.
Maps can serve many purposes – from communicating ideas to exploring data to generate new insights. For any purpose, however, maps must be read and used. Social media has its faults, but it is an excellent way to get design inspiration and to share your own work.
Student Reflection
Have you ever used social media to share or learn about maps? It can be a fun way to stay up-to-date on current mapping trends, and to gain and share new ideas. The annual 30 Day Mapping Challenge (since 2019) can be a great way to see what cartographers around the world do with a design challenge presented each day for 30 days. Check out some of the results from this challenge either by looking for results for the hashtag #30DayMapChallenge on your preferred social media site, or via the homepage list of galleries highlighting great examples from recent years here.
Recommended Reading
Caquard, Sébastien. 2014. “Cartography II: Collective Cartographies in the Social Media Era.” Progress in Human Geography 38 (1): 141–150. doi:10.1177/0309132513514005.
Robinson, Anthony C. 2019. “Elements of Viral Cartography.” Cartography and Geographic Information Science. Taylor & Francis: 1–18. doi:10.1080/15230406.2018.1484304.