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| Retrieved from: http://swiftnetwork.ca/2014/09/05/10-fastest-internet-connections-world/ |
According to Dennis Wood, Ward L. Kaiser and Bob Abramms (2006), “Every map is a purposeful selection from everything that is known, bent to the mapmaker’s ends.” To them, each map has a specific purpose and advances a specific interest.
Maps function as both mirrors and shapers of the world capable of reflecting how we see the world (Luyn, 2015).
As physical maps, such as the Mercator map and peters map function as mirrors and shapers, so too can maps of cyberspace act as mirrors. Do the maps of reality and virtuality reflect the same image to people in those spaces?
To a degree it is possible, connections between individuals online can be mapped in such a way as to represent the connections’ approximate geographical location in relation to each other as well as making visible the relative population density distribution across the globe.
This ‘network map’ would not be anywhere near as accurate in terms of mapping the real size and shape of landmasses, oceans and seas as maps of real global space such as the Mercator or Peter’s projection would be capable of.
So how would the world appear to people both in the virtual space and in reality? In real space geographical accuracy would be an important factor to be mapped for, whether it is in regards to the size of landmasses, aid in navigation on land or at sea, etc.
In mapping online space geographical accuracy is not what maps are built around. It is the connection between individuals or groups of people that is being mapped. It is possible to assume, therefore, that geography is of little consequence to people in an online space. People will tend to see the world online as they wish to see it.
References:
Luyn, A.V. (2015). BA1002: Our Space: Networks and Narrative and the Meaning of Place, week 4 notes [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from https://learnjcu.jcu.edu.au
SWIFT-global-connections[image]. (2014). Retrieved from: http://swiftnetwork.ca/2014/09/05/10-fastest-internet-connections-world/
Wood, D., Kaiser, W. L., Abramms, B. (2006). Seeing Through Maps: Many Ways to See the World. pg.4
Though I agree with your basic premise here I will add that geography is technically an important part of connections formed on the net, even if only as a starting point and of internet access as your image shows. Internet access is a privilege and you generally are not going to be speaking to people in areas like Syria or North Korea whether because of law or poverty. I will also add that Australia is not even very high up in the international internet speeds, we are ranked 30th in the world for our average net speed.
ReplyDeleteNot only that language can also create a barrier to communicating outside one's normal sphere of experience. Still the internet is a great tool to reaching outside your 'normal' life and experience, opening yourself up to different world-views, if you are willing to listen.
References
List of countries by Internet connection speeds(n.d)
In Wikipedia. Retrieved 23 August 2015 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Internet_connection_speeds
I very much agree with the idea you brought up that 'people will tend to see the world as they wish to see it'. This concept to me has always been an intriguing one and in relation to maps I believe it is all the more truthful. I think, as you also mentioned referencing the reading (Woods et.al, 2006) that maps do portray the information and perspective that is relevant and useful to the reason the map is being created. With regard to social networks I think this idea links to the 'suggestions' we are constantly plagued with on sites such as youtube, facebook and tumblr. The social networks suggest and encourage us in a way to be ' guided cyber explorers' and to make our maps and links based on the suggestions they provide us with. I think this is an interesting way of seeing maps and how they can be physical as well as subtle and virtual.
ReplyDeleteWood, D., Kaiser, W. L., Abramms, B. (2006). Seeing Through Maps: Many Ways to See the World. pg.4