Some reaction to the UW Day of Reflection: 23 April 2003.
Where is this war?
In USA: "War in Iraq"; in Europe "War on Iraq"; Gulf War II?
A war of instant feedback, on-air commentary, and maps, maps, maps...
rhetorical position (what is new?)... "Truth is the first casualty?"
Gulf War 1991: enough maps printed (by Defense Mapping Agency, now rolled into NIMA) to cover whole territory of Iraq with paper maps. (A reaction to Grenada where the troops had tourist maps - Avis?). This time? more computers, fewer paper maps? real time? online? (perhaps not yet...)
Maps have a LONG history of linkage to power (Shocked, Shocked to hear it?). Topographic maps developed for artillery-based campaigns (elevation becomes critical in aiming cannons). Trafficability, logistics, terrain, terrain, terrain...
Despite what the International Cartographic Association would like you to think, cartography is neither an art nor a science, more like a regulated utility; you get what you pay for.
Maps will become even more central in rebuilding
technology developed by military for military, paid by military. Given away (free!) to commercial, consumer, civilian sector.
measurement of 3D coordinates in real time anywhere...
Works by trilateration (lectures and lab to come...)
Schedule of events, resources, etc.
UW Library site (note the map from CIA Fact Book) geometry, attributes and time?
NIMA: its mission "Know the Earth, Show the way", example of their datum brochure.