August 2021 Summaries

Creating the viral Amtrak 2035 map was the result of extensive and long-term efforts by the GIS specialist at the agency, who integrated geospatial data from various partners and the Federal Railroad Administration to create a comprehensive network map. Initially, Amtrak lacked a complete GIS network of its routes, particularly outside the northeast corridor, which led to the specialist collaborating with colleagues to gather and map essential data like mileposts. Although the map was originally part of a different planning project, it became pivotal when the agency needed to depict future plans, leading to its unexpected public exposure and sparking a nationwide discussion about train travel's future. The experience highlighted the importance of years of data preparation and being in the right place at the right time, allowing the specialist's work to gain significant attention and impact.

Mamata Akella, a highly respected digital cartographer, highlights her career achievements, particularly her involvement in developing web-based map technology and working with diverse teams on mapping challenges. One significant career moment was creating the National Park Service's first web map, which allowed Park Rangers to effectively communicate their stories visually for the first time. Akella expresses her passion for the creative and expressive nature of maps as a storytelling medium, appreciating how different attributes can offer new perspectives. Despite her love for cartography, she finds the continuous process of refining maps challenging, as it often feels never-ending. While she cannot pinpoint a single best map, she values those that provoke thought and engagement, citing Radical Cartography as an inspiring example.

Mamata Akella, a renowned digital cartographer, highlights the evolution of web-based mapping technology as a significant aspect of her career, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to adapt alongside these advancements. She cherishes her experiences working with diverse groups on mapping challenges, notably witnessing the transformative impact of creating the National Park Service's first web map, which enabled Park Rangers to better convey their narratives. Akella appreciates maps as a creative medium for storytelling through data, although she finds the endless process of fine-tuning them a challenge. While unable to pinpoint a single best map, she values those that provoke thought and engagement, citing Radical Cartography as an inspiring example.

The creation of Amtrak's 2035 map, which gained widespread attention during an election, is the result of years of meticulous work in geospatial data preparation and collaboration. Initially, there was no comprehensive GIS network for all Amtrak routes, prompting the map's creator to gather geospatial files from partners and the Federal Railroad Administration, and collaborate with colleagues to accurately map mileposts. Originally intended for a different planning project, the map was timely repurposed to illustrate Amtrak's future plans, leading to its unexpected public exposure and sparking a nationwide conversation about the future of train travel. The experience highlighted the often-unseen work of GIS professionals and offered the creator a unique opportunity to showcase the significance of their contributions in a high-profile context.

As a contractor, the author values projects that allow for the exploration of new technologies, making Felt's proposal to develop innovative web drawing tools particularly appealing. This opportunity merges the author's previous experience in spatial software with new learning in mapping and Geographic Information System technology. The author emphasizes the importance of prototyping in design, as it encourages rapid exploration of ideas and decision-making. Enjoyment in using creative tools, even if they are complex or unconventional, enhances productivity and innovation. Tools like Origami Studio, despite their steep learning curve, provide a fun and engaging way to experiment, akin to solving puzzles in the game Incredible Machine, and the author seeks out similar experiences in programming libraries that enable easy creation and combination of new elements.

As a contractor, the author is drawn to projects that offer the chance to explore and experiment with new technology, which is why Felt's proposal to develop innovative web drawing tools was appealing. The project allowed the author to leverage prior experience in spatial software while delving into mapping and Geographic Information System technology. The author values rapid prototyping as a key design strategy, using a variety of tools to explore numerous ideas quickly, which enhances creativity and decision-making. Tools that are enjoyable to use, even if complex or niche like Origami Studio, are preferred because they inspire more experimentation and creativity, akin to the joy of solving puzzles in games like the Incredible Machine. The author seeks programming libraries that provide the same level of enjoyment and flexibility, enabling the creation and recombination of new elements in innovative ways.