Web Mapping 2.0: The Neogeography of the GeoWeb
Muki Haklay; Alex Singleton; Chris Parker (2008). Geography Compass, 2(6), 2011-2039. DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-8198.2008.00167.x
Abstract
The landscape of Internet mapping technologies has changed dramatically since 2005. New techniques are being used and new terms have been invented and entered the lexicon such as: mash‐ups, crowdsourcing, neogeography and geostack. A whole range of websites and communities from the commercial Google Maps to the grassroots OpenStreetMap, and applications such as Platial, also have emerged. In their totality, these new applications represent a step change in the evolution of the area of Internet geographic applications (which some have termed the GeoWeb ). The nature of this change warrants an explanation and an overview, as it has implications both for geographers and the public notion of Geography. This article provides a critical review of this newly emerging landscape, starting with an introduction to the concepts, technologies and structures that have emerged over the short period of intense innovation. It introduces the non‐technical reader to them, suggests reasons for the neologism, explains the terminology, and provides a perspective on the current trends. Case studies are used to demonstrate this Web Mapping 2.0 era, and differentiate it from the previous generation of Internet mapping. Finally, the implications of these new techniques and the challenges they pose to geographic information science, geography and society at large are considered.
Extended Summary
This research examines how Web Mapping 2.0 and neogeography have transformed the landscape of Internet-based geographic applications since 2005, fundamentally changing how people create, share and use geographic information. The paper provides a comprehensive review of emerging web mapping technologies through historical analysis, case studies and critical examination of current trends. It traces the evolution from early static web mapping services to dynamic, collaborative platforms enabled by technologies such as AJAX, GPS improvements and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). The research demonstrates how technological advances have lowered barriers to geographic information creation and sharing. The removal of GPS selective availability in 2000 provided accurate positioning to everyday users, whilst broadband internet connections and simplified programming interfaces made map creation accessible to non-experts. This democratisation of mapping tools led to the emergence of ‘neogeography’ - ordinary people using and creating maps on their own terms rather than relying solely on professional cartographers and geographic information systems (GIS). Through detailed case studies of OpenStreetMap, London Profiler and Ordnance Survey OpenSpace, the paper illustrates how collaborative mapping projects harness community participation to create comprehensive geographic datasets. OpenStreetMap exemplifies crowdsourcing in action, where volunteers contribute GPS tracks and local knowledge to build freely available maps. The London Profiler demonstrates how academic institutions can combine official datasets with user-friendly interfaces to inform policy decisions. Meanwhile, Ordnance Survey’s OpenSpace shows how traditional mapping agencies are adapting to provide data through modern web services. The research reveals that Web Mapping 2.0 represents more than technological advancement - it embodies new approaches to geographic information sharing through peer production networks, social mobile computing and knowledge collectives. These collaborative technologies enable rapid application development, user-generated content and innovative combinations of geographic data from multiple sources. However, the paper also identifies challenges including data quality concerns, the need for new business models among traditional information providers, and tensions between professional geographic expertise and amateur contributions. The study concludes that whilst neogeography technologies have improved usability and raised awareness of geographic information amongst millions, they complement rather than replace traditional geographic analysis and cartographic expertise. This transformation has significant implications for geography education, geographic information science research and public understanding of spatial relationships, suggesting opportunities for synergistic approaches that harness both professional knowledge and community participation in geographic information creation.
Key Findings
- Web Mapping 2.0 represents a fundamental shift from static, expert-created maps to dynamic, user-generated collaborative geographic applications since 2005.
- Technological advances including GPS accuracy improvements, AJAX programming and simplified APIs democratised mapping tools for non-expert users nationwide.
- Crowdsourcing projects like OpenStreetMap demonstrate how communities can create comprehensive geographic datasets through collaborative volunteer contributions and local knowledge.
- Traditional mapping agencies are adapting by providing data through modern web services whilst maintaining professional standards and quality assurance processes.
- Neogeography complements rather than replaces professional geographic expertise, creating opportunities for synergistic approaches combining community participation with academic rigour.
Citation
@article{haklay2008web,
author = {Muki Haklay; Alex Singleton; Chris Parker},
title = {Web Mapping 2.0: The Neogeography of the GeoWeb},
journal = {Geography Compass},
year = {2008},
volume = {2(6)},
pages = {2011-2039},
doi = {10.1111/j.1749-8198.2008.00167.x}
}