Maps to Apps - the digital revolution in map making

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have transformed the way we create and distribute maps, offering dramatic new opportunities never previously envisaged.  This lecture will review the benefits and limitations of traditional printed maps and demonstrate the basic operation of Geographic Information Systems.

Printed maps have long been a practical means of condensing geographic information into an accurate and accessible form. However, they cannot effectively deliver the mass of spatial digital data that is now being generated and made available on a daily basis. 

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have transformed the way we create and distribute maps, offering dramatic new opportunities never previously envisaged. When combined with the distribution power of the internet, accurate, up-to-date digital maps on a bewildering array of subjects can be rapidly built and made globally available at minimal cost.

This lecture will review the benefits and limitations of traditional printed maps and demonstrate the basic operation of Geographic Information Systems. It will illustrate how freely available geographic data can be combined to produce tailor-made modern digital maps. Finally, the potential role of artificial intelligence in future mapping endeavours will be explored. 

Christopher Rawlinson 

Chris has an Honours degree in Geography from the University of Newcastle, UK, an MSc degree in Photogrammetry and Surveying from University College London and a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from Flinders University, South Australia. He has worked as a geography teacher in Papua New Guinea, as a geodetic surveyor in the Middle East and as a spatial information strategist in South Australia. 

Jackie Berkelaar-Mules

Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science and Diploma of Education from Flinders University, together with a Diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She has more than 20 years' experience working in Geographic Information Systems across local government in South Australia and currently works as a GIS professional with the City of Adelaide. Her experience includes enterprise GIS, asset management, spatial analysis, environmental management, mobile GIS and spatial data governance. She also operates Jakibe Geospatial Consulting, providing specialist GIS consulting services and when not looking at a computer screen she loves travelling along the red dusty roads and along the west coast and despite her technological background she loves to be guided by a papermap!