Negative Aspects of Neogeography

Current accessibility of geographic tools has provided individuals with easy access to create personal maps and geographic works. Although increased access of information and technology is usually viewed as progress, certain negative consequences may arise from availability of geographic technology. As a result of accessibility, nearly anyone can create geographic products - which in turn, allows for people with little geographic experience to produce works. These neogeographers may lack the proper training to produce credible or reliable works and create a false representation of the world. Individuals interpreting these maps may then be misled and presented with false information. Furthermore, without proper training neogeographers may produce non-standard works which may also result in confusion among users. Production of inadequate works may result in lower regard or inability to recognize credible works.

Neogeographers may also produce works that are influenced by opinion. Consequently, a correct or factual model of spatial data may be skewed. Additionally, privacy may be infringed upon with the high accessibility of mapping tools. For instance, Google Maps provides nearly complete satellite imagery of Earth’s surface. Thus, a map may be created using satellite imagery of private property which may violate privacy laws. The lack of experience of neogeographers may be the only limiting factor in the production of credible maps. Neogeographers are likely using inadequate technology to produce high quality works. Seemingly, increased availability of information technology is beneficial. However, with the increased availability, recognition of certain negative consequences must be present.