Lab 3: Neogeography

View Sightseeing in Taipei Utilizing the MRT in a larger map

I chose to do a map on popular places in Taipei that can be reached utilizing the Taipei MRT (Municipal Rapid Transit). The traffic in Taipei is highly congested, making the MRT the most popular transportation because it is cheap, convenient, and accessible. The line connecting Taoyuan International Airport to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall Station shows the route that one must take by bus or taxi from the airport to the MRT station because currently there is no station at the airport yet. According to Taipei Times, "The MRT line connecting Taipei to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is scheduled to open in 2014." I chose Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall to be the first stop because it is at the heart of Taipei. From there, one can take the MRT train to various types of attraction in Taipei, such as the famous Shilin Nightmarket or the Taipei Zoo.

Neogeography is the creating and sharing of maps to offer insight on a personal level. According to Turner (2006), neogeography is about “…people using and creating their own maps, on their own terms and by combining elements of an existing toolset. Neogeography is about sharing location information with friends and visitors, helping shape context, and conveying understanding through knowledge of place.” Neogeography offers insight on a more personal level than GIS in that the maps are drawn from personal experiences. However, this form of mapping can contain certain pitfalls. Unlike GIS, neogeograpraphy is used by amateurs, so the results can be a bit biased because people view things from different perspectives. The information presented by the maker can also be misleading because of misinterpretation. Nevertheless, neogeography has great potential because it is flexible and can be changed, whereas GIS is rigid. Neogeography lets people learn from other people’s experiences and gain valuable information from the world around them.


Sources:
George, Maxine. "Madame Chiang- The Dragon Lady Who Bridged the East and the West." Oct 20, 2010. http://www.magiccarpetjournals.com/Madame-Chiang.htm
Papahapon2. "Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport." Oct 20, 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cvDt1FX-m8
Shuflies. "228 Memorial Museum." Oct 20, 2010. http://shuflies.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html
Thomashan1. "Baby bear playing at Taipei zoo." Oct 20, 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N74Z9eDEr6M