Screen grab links to .kmz file for Google Earth

A geovisual response to an LA Times blog entry showing mostly isolationist responses to an alternative history map of North America by Absolut Vodka.

This interactive map for Google Earth shows the familiar Absolut Vodka bottle labeled “Absolut Statehood” and placed inside of the original boundaries of the District of Columbia. These boundaries existed until 1847 when the residents of Virginia voted to cede back the portion of the District of Columbia that was west of the Potomac River.

Absolut Statehood represents the cartographic notion that the nation’s capital can become America’s 51st state*. Today there are over 550,000 American citizens living in the nation’s capital that are being denied the fundamental right of represenation in Congress. This ongoing human rights violation currently practiced by the government of the United States has been denounced by the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The United States is the only country in the industrialized world that forbids the residents of it’s capital city the right to elect representatives to their national legislature.

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3/22/2008 || 7:46 pm
Flight & Expulsion - An Interactive Flash Map by Christian Behrens

Every year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) issues a report concerning the number of approximately 21,000,000 people worldwide falling under its mandate: as refugees who were forced to leave their countries due to war, political, racial or religious persecution, as internally displaced persons, or as repatriates on their way back home.

This interactive visualization attempts to give an insight into the phenomenon of global flight and expulsion, based on the annual UNHCR statistics between the years of 1995 and 2004.

Last year Christian Behrens, a new media designer based in Berlin made this interactive Flash map. While I *really* like the map’s concept, coding, and visualization method, I have some issues with the cartographic layout. Specifically, it’s hard to accurately locate some countries with my mouse and since there is no scaling on the text or basemap, its hard to find countries that are typographically overlapping. Moreover, the country’s dot is the only hotspot that triggers the UNHCR data, so if you are hovering over the words, you are literally missing the point. For example, I wanted to find the Gaza Strip and realized the point where my mouse is located is not on Gaza. This also happened with Sri Lanka, whereas the dot is over water. Just south of Sri Lanka, not far from the Maldives. My favorite country on the map is Stateless (below). With that aside, I found this map to be very informative.
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Comments Off || || Posted One Year Ago: THE GEOCOLONIAL SLOTS - Match 3 for Statehood!, 4 years ago today...

1/24/2008 || 1:01 pm
Popular GIS Slideshow by Chris Hammond-Thrasher [March 07]

Screen shot from a presentation by Chris Hammond-Thrasher from The University of the South Pacific Library

A good friend of mine notified me that one of my maps was mentioned on a slideshow about popular GIS. The author of the slideshow used a screen shot from my American Stereography #1 viewing environment. Click the image above to be taken to the slideshow.

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9/14/2007 || 4:28 pm
1880 Street Railway Map of the City of Washington

Using map #10 from 1880 Statistical Map of the City of Washington, I was able to make this unique, interactive, antique map mashup.

View the Google Maplet

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2/15/2007 || 6:05 am
Censored today in theMail…

On Sunday I e-mailed Gary Imhoff who moderates the bi-weekly discussion list called theMail. This is the second time I have posted to the theMail, with the first being an e-flyer for “North South East Westminster,” and to be honest I am quite disappointed in the slight censorship Gary employed in my original entry. Specifically, he opted to not include what I feel to be the best piece of media: the Taxation Without Representation Google Map!

Here is what I sent to theMail:

The New DC Flag (if HR 328 passes) and other fractional media
Nikolas R. Schiller, DC [at] NikolasSchiller [dot] com
Co-Chair, DC Statehood Green Party

Fellow friends & enemies of fractional representation,

Last Thursday I received a phone call from the executive director of an organization that is promoting fractional democracy on behalf the disenfranchised residents of Washington, DC. I was kindly asked to refrain from using Photoshop to alter copyrighted images, even when done as a parody (see below). However, when an injustice is currently being promoted in the name of democracy, I cannot in good conscience be silent, or even 1/3 silent.

So to complete my fractional trilogy, I have redesigned the DC flag to represent the 1/3 representation DC residents will get with the passage of the unconstitutional DC Fair and Equal Voting Rights Act of 2007 (hr 328). I also created an animated version to accentuate the stupidity of claiming 1/3 representation as progress.

The flag is based on this proposed design:
http://www.dcwatch.com/issues/flagproposed.gif

The new DC Flag (if HR 328 passes):
http://www.nikolasschiller.com/images/flagproposed_text_left.gif
http://www.nikolasschiller.com/images/flagproposed_animated.gif

Fractionally Related (if HR 328 passes):
http://nikolasschiller.com/images/new_dc_plates.jpg
http://nikolasschiller.com/images/now_with_dc_vote.gif

Marginally 1/3 Related:
http://nikolasschiller.com/images/dc_is_the_capital_of.gif
http://nikolasschiller.com/images/utah_is_the_capital_of.gif
- Look at both and ask yourself, “Who is still getting screwed?”)

Interactive Google Map:
http://nikolasschiller.com/gis/taxationwithoutrepresentationmap.html
- This Google Map Mashup randomly plots 51 DC Flags around the U.S. Capitol and when clicked reveal 51 different messages about Washington, DC.

Don’t forget, if you have the time, take one-third of a day off work on Thursday and go to Capitol Hill and tell Congress what it’s like to be forced to take the backseat on the bus of democracy.

After the flap is what was actually distributed:
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Comments Off || || Posted One Year Ago: Las Vegas Quilt

1/27/2007 || 2:00 am
Worst march route ever…

The national park & u.s. capitol police really screwed UFPJ…

official march route:

what is should be:
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8/1/2006 || 11:58 am
Gimmicky Green Party Google Maps

Tonight’s creation….

Jon Q. Voter: “What does the Green Party stand for?”
Me: “Well there are 10 Key Values…”
Jon Q. Voter: “Environment right?”
Me: “Well, I prefer ‘ecologicial wisdom,’ but that is one of them.”
Jon Q. Voter: “What are the rest?”
Me: “Well I made a nifty google map to help you.”

“10 Key Value Google Map” - click image to be taken to the map

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6/14/2006 || 10:07 pm
Taxation Without Representation Google Map

Happy Flag Day!

This google map plots 51 DC flags around the U.S. Capitol. When the flags are clicked a random fact about America’s last continental colony pops up. You can open the source HTML to read them all quickly. I obtained some of the facts and figures from DC Vote and I sent the list out to the members of the DC Statehood Green Party for feedback. The result is what I think is one of the first political google map mashups. Have fun!

Render A Comment || || Posted One Year Ago: 911 Mandala, favorite rendering yet!

4/17/2006 || 12:42 pm
Google Map Blog Entry Mashups - DC & America

After hours of coding & geocoding, my first Google Map Mashups are ready… for some reason it only works with Firefox… I’ll try to fix this!

DC Blog Entry Google Map Mashup

Quilt Project Blog Entry Mashup

Render A Comment || || Posted One Year Ago: remotely seeing old documents (again!)

3/30/2006 || 8:39 am
beating them to the map

So earlier this month I was all excited because I made couple maps of Augusta, Maine that used USGS public domain aerial photography that Google had not put on to their servers yet. Well sure enough, today I discovered that I beat Google again! This time with the capital of South Dakota- the beautiful town of Pierre.

Last time I only checked Google Maps, and this time I also checked Microsoft’s attempt at mapping called “Windows Live Local,” and sure enough, I beat Microsoft to both Pierre & Augusta! Where is my prize?!? A beautiful map I guess.

Render A Comment || || Posted One Year Ago: DCist Covers the Colonist, meds for meds

1/10/2006 || 11:09 pm
Experiments with Territories: Post Cartographic Map Design II

This session will take place at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois on March 8th, 2006

I added links to abstracts and the author’s websites below.

Paper Session: 2231

Experiments with Territories: Post Cartographic Map Design II

is scheduled on Wednesday, 3/8/06, from 10:00 AM - 11:40 AM

Organizer(s): John Krygier - Ohio Wesleyan University

Chair(s): John Krygier - Ohio Wesleyan University

Abstract(s): 10:00 AM Author(s): John Pickles - University Of North Carolina

Abstract Title: Delete the Border! Activist Art Movements, New Mapping Projects, and the Reworking of the Euro-Border

10:20 AM Author(s): Nikolas R. Schiller - Association of American Geographers

Abstract Title: Geographic Tessellations: Maps, Methods, and Mandalas

10:40 AM Author(s): Chris Perkins - University of Manchester

Abstract Title: Playing with maps

11:00 AM Author(s): kanarinka - The Institute for Infinitely Small Things

Abstract Title: Designing for the Totally Inconceivable: Mods, hacks and other unexpected uses of maps

11:20 AM Discussant: John Pickles - University Of North Carolina

Discussant(s): John Pickles - University Of North Carolina

Session Description: This session includes researchers and practitioners creating maps and working with models of map design outside of the traditional empirical model that dominated cartographic design research in the latter half of the 20th century: people who think critically about maps and map design and engage in actual map design and construction based on their ideas. Many artists have embraced the map in such a manner. “Map artists … claim the power of the map to achieve ends other than the social reproduction of the status quo. Map artists do not reject maps. They reject the authority claimed by normative maps uniquely to portray reality as it is, that is, with dispassion and objectivity…” (Wood & Krygier, 2006). Map artist kanarinka claims artists working with maps have an “ethics of experimentation” that is “anything but arbitrary.” “…artists experiment with a particular territory in specific ways to reach unforseen destinations.” (kanarinka, 2006). Other models of map design include narrative and ambiguity, suggested by literary and film theory, multiple mappings (or counter-mappings) suggested by humanistic and critical theory, indigenous mapping methods, and political mapping informed by post-structuralist theory focused on the complexities of power. Post-cartographic map design research and mapping seeks to expand the way we think about, design, and create maps in our map immersed society.

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12/26/2005 || 11:00 pm
DC Area Farmers Markets

This evening I made the first layer for an ongoing mapping project I’ve tasked myself to, “SUSTAINABLE DC MAP”

If you have Google Earth, cut & paste this link as new network connection, and zoom into DC.

If you don’t have Google Earth, you can see two screen shots I took, here & here.

I have going to have a planting party this spring… details tba

Remember, January 5th, 7pm, UDC & me

Related Google Earth Entries:

Comments Off || || Posted One Year Ago: Signs of the Time,, SUMATRA-ANDAMAN ISLANDS EARTHQUAKE

12/14/2005 || 9:45 pm
Let’s meet here

I couldn’t pass up some cartographic humor

(found on myspace)

Comments Off || || Posted One Year Ago: Chills Mississippi, new GIS of my hood

12/12/2005 || 9:46 pm
Anthony & I like maps!

From the Washington Map Society…

On Friday May 5, 2006, the WMS Annual Dinner will be held at the U.S. Capitol (tentative). Our guest speaker is the Honorable Anthony A. Williams, Mayor, The City of Washington DC (invited). Mayor Williams at one time in his career was a map collector. Details will be provided at coming meetings, by mailed invitation and on the Society’s Website.

Hmmmmmm……….,,,,,,,mmmmm

I bet he’d like one of my maps

===
#UPDATE#
So I sat behind him on Thursday, September 14th, 2006 for the Norton Davis Bill hearing and I asked him about his past cartographic activities. He said he sucked, “No one bought any.” Call that advice from the mayor- don’t be a map dealer.

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11/28/2005 || 7:13 pm
My World 66

Via Nabil:
…sounds a bit too much like “my world 666″ but whatev- the website is cool, it allows you to quickly make a map of the states & countries you’ve visited. Below is my USA Map…. I added Michigan

create your own personalized map of the USA

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11/10/2005 || 8:51 pm
Brown Bag Series

Please Come if you can!

…no I did not design the flyer, only the background.

Comments Off || || Posted One Year Ago: Careers in Geography Project Coordinator

11/9/2005 || 10:13 am
come one, come all!

I am so excited about this…

Please come if you can make it! I will be speaking on creative applications of geospatial technology using Flash, Bryce 3D, and Google Earth. I will also be discussing experimental map projections and ways in which students, teachers, and professionals can incorporate these software programs into their lives to foster more dynamic and effective means of knowledge dissemination.

Geographers,

You are invited to attend the second of our Fall Series Lunchtime Seminars.

Featuring:
NIKOLAS SCHILLER (Association of American Geographers)

Presenting:
Mapping Your Own Legend:
Creative Applications of Geospatial Technology

When: November 16th, 1pm

Where: Spatial Analysis Lab,
1957 E Street, Suite 512
(Geography Department)

See you all there, Arrive early for pizza!

2 Comments Rendered || || Posted One Year Ago: back at it.., Star of Bissau

11/7/2005 || 12:19 am
Found Geospatial Art

Today I devoted myself to the task of geocoding all of my Washington, DC renderings into Google Earth. Many many hours later, I’ve made it just over halfway through the task. I will be putting the layer on-line shortly…

As I was adding layers, there were two renderings that I decided to have a little cartographic fun with. When I got to Boxes of Jefferson, I decided to tilt the image 45 degrees and enlarge it to the size of Washington, DC. About two hours later when I got to DC Stencil, I decided to modify it to extenuate the lettering by removing the black background and turning it into a .png file (to preserve the transparency). I enlarged it as well to the size of a giant “you are here” sign. About an hour later I was going through the layers to see if there were any errors, I stumbled on the image below….

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11/1/2005 || 7:14 pm
define: post-modern

I decided to use google to define “post modern” and the result:

Definitions of post modern on the Web:

[1925 - 1980 AD] departure from generalized style into individual expression through innovative use of new building technology and materials to differentiate the structure, space and experience from all previous styles. The Guggenheim Museum by Frank LLoyd Wright exemplifies the flambouyant deviation from all previous architectural movements.
www.seemydesign.com/livingroom/elementsideas/archtrim/architectstyle.htm
Related phrases: post modern design

Replace “architectural” with cartographic, and ya got it. Also, I was born in 1980, the year post modern is said to have ended, but I definitely think that definitiom describes my maps nicely…..a 25 year delay ain’t bad.

Render A Comment || || Posted One Year Ago: i climbed these

10/30/2005 || 11:46 am
Star Series - BETA

Beta release of the Star Series Image Overlay KML file for Google Earth.
Click here to download the zipped up KML file

Instructions:
Unzip the file, drag starseries.kml file to your desktop, and double click on it to lauch Google Earth

Once loaded into Google Earth, the layer will download the maps from the Star Series hosted on my website. On the Places Panel the folder titled “Star Series” will be placed. Clicking on the triangle next to the folder you can expand and collapse the contents of the folder. By clicking on the “Send Comment” link, the blog entry in which the map is referenced will load up in the Google Earth web browser allowing you to leave a comment on my blog. By adjusting the transparency of the map overlay, you can find the area on the ground which was as a guide.

The Alpha release will have icons instead of overlays to facilitate the navigation of my maps. Within each icon will be a link for the overlay of the map.

Known Issues:
Due to large size of the maps, Google Earth might slow down considerably after they are loaded.
Google Earth’s browser is based off of Internet Explorer and my website does not show up as how I’d like it to.

Please provide me with feedback!