Inside the cartographic mind of Mamata Akella

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.