From The BLOG
A more useful civic maps collectionIn celebration of State of the Map US taking place this past weekend, we decided to refresh our own civic maps collection. With 71 “mapping” projects (and more on the way), it was time to make that section more approachable. So, we’ve broken out individual civic maps and re-usable mapping platforms. Civic maps collect and […]
In celebration of State of the Map US taking place this past weekend, we decided to refresh our own civic maps collection. With 71 “mapping” projects (and more on the way), it was time to make that section more approachable. So, we’ve broken out individual civic maps and re-usable mapping platforms.
Civic maps collect and display data geographically to coordinate action, plot resources, or make an argument for change. One of the most famous examples is the Million Dollar Blocks map of Chicago, which illustrated the amount of resources the state expends incarcerating residents rather than assisting them. Our collection currently includes 30 unique civic maps, tracking everything from environmental health to housing displacement to bribes.
Mapping platforms are the underlying infrastructure that create, draw, and host maps. Notable examples include OpenStreetMap and Google Maps. We currently list 39 tools and platforms that you can use to create your own civic maps.
As usual, we also keep track of the maps that are no longer with us so that we can revisit them for inspiration and understanding of the field’s trajectory.
If we’re missing a great civic map or mapping tool, please share it with the community by submitting it here.
And keep an eye out for improvements to our slightly overwhelming homepage world map, coming soon.