Tuesday, October 29, 2013
the Power of the Atlas
I thought it was very interesting that while lines define physical space and physical boundaries the Prime Meridian can be a measure of human society. The fact that it can cultural boundary is really cool. I do have one question though. So as of yet there are two methods for creating maps. There’s the “intaglio process” or the copperplate engraving and the Lithography process. What are some modern ways of creating maps on the computer or are those still being used? Plus, the idea that Atlases/cartography and the growth of railroads has a close relationship makes a lot of sense to me. It reminds me of the concept of Manifest Destiny and how the American people think have a right to expand from border to border because they have a god given right to spread their influence across the continent and eventually over the planet. If the territory expands, the Atlases will naturally grow much bigger also.
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I also find it very interesting how mere lines, due to them defining physical boundaries, also influence societies, their traditions and their beliefs. I find it so fascinating that these (sometimes even intangible) lines can influence people so much. It sometimes unites people as they become more centered on their own community; but other times, it can also divide and segregate the world as a whole (for the same reason).
ReplyDeleteI think that because printing has improved so much, maps are increasingly printed from the computer. I am sure that there are softwares that can be used to create maps although I am not exactly sure which softwares those are.
A fascinating concept related to this post is that of atlases and their role and correlation with a spirit of national identity. As illustrated above, the principle of Manifest Destiny inspired Americans to explore and settle the Western regions of the continent. The atlases depicted this settlement, and the growing expanse of American territory. In this way, the atlases were an essential component to the concept of American Manifest Destiny because were the representational manifestation of this idealized theory.
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