The renewed interest in maps, as reflected in renewed spate of mapping books
Skift Take
Mapping has seen a renewed interest, not just through Apple vs Google lens, but also in books examining the history of maps, and history of the world through the lens of maps. One major new book not mentioned here: Robert D Kaplan's Revenge of Geography.
Maps are at the centre of a worldwide commercial power struggle this weekend as Apple faces criticism of the technology it has developed for its new smartphone. But two new books and an exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society reveal that maps have been at the centre of both politics and commerce down the ages, as well as key to the development of the human imagination.
In his new book, On The Map, Simon Garfield explains that, just as the empires of the past understood that marking territory was crucial, so Google and its rivals now wield influence. They are even implicated in border disputes. Garfield describes how in 2010 the Nicaraguans cited Google Maps in support of their action when they invaded Costa Rica. Brian McClendon, who developed the mapping technology bought up by Google in 2004, told Garfield that the Nicaraguans argued that they were justified in moving onto the extra territory accidentally assigned to them.
And Garfield believes the commercial and political significance of reliable maps can only grow. "Not only will it become the decisive element in the smartphones and apps we buy, it is also the way that shops will f
