Editorial Insights: The View from Here and Industry Reflection
The View from Here – October 26, 2006
In this edition of The View from Here, Adena Schutzberg reflects on three interconnected themes shaping the geospatial conversation. First, she examines navigation and the power of effective signage — why some wayfinding systems succeed while others frustrate users. She then turns inward, questioning whether the geospatial community continues to “talk among itself” rather than communicating its value to broader audiences. Finally, she highlights the importance of offering a simple “click to see the map” option, underscoring how accessibility and usability influence engagement with spatial information.
NSGIC Trends – October 12, 2006
Following the annual meeting of the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) in Little Rock, Arkansas, Schutzberg shares observations gathered over four days of intensive sessions. The meeting brought together state agencies, technology providers, and policy leaders. Emerging themes included collaboration across jurisdictions, evolving geospatial technologies, strategic visioning, and practical implementation challenges. The editorial captures the energy and complexity of state-level GIS coordination efforts.
Data, Data…Who’s Got the Data? – August 31, 2006
As GIS matured, so too did its data acquisition model. Early adopters often purchased both software and geospatial datasets from a single vendor. Over time, software providers developed partnerships with external data suppliers. Schutzberg considers the next phase: a marketplace in which geospatial data becomes increasingly commoditized. In such a landscape, vendors might distribute data in multiple formats and projections with minimal friction. The editorial explores the implications of this evolution for interoperability, licensing, and the value of data itself.
The View from Here – August 16, 2006
During discussions following the ESRI conference, a recurring question surfaced: was there anything genuinely “new”? Schutzberg notes that imagery emerged as a focal point, rising alongside 3D data as a leading area of innovation. The editorial reflects on how imagery moved to the forefront of geospatial applications, reshaping workflows and expanding analytical possibilities.
The Long Tail of Mapping – June 22, 2006
Joe Francica explores the concept of the “long tail” within the mapping world. Geography has long used maps as a primary communication tool across both physical and social sciences. With the advent of platforms such as Google Earth, ArcGIS, and geo-social networks like Platial, mapping has become widely democratized. Francica examines how accessible web viewers, analytical platforms, and collaborative environments represent a profound shift in how geographic information is created, shared, and consumed.
Together, these editorials from 2006 capture a moment of transition in the geospatial field — from imagery and 3D data advancements to evolving data marketplaces and the expanding reach of web-based mapping technologies.
