Marc Kitteringham
When you were a kid, did you spend your time staring at maps? I might've been a bit of a weird kid, but I have always been fascinated by maps. They put things into perspective, not only relating to the distance and physical aspects of the world, but they open up the character of a place and really can put the history of a place in context.
A map shows a lot of information. It has the overt things like elevation, distance, routes, way points, water, mountains, forest, topography etc. etc. etc. It also puts the world into perspective when it comes to the history of a place. Upon looking further at a map, you can glean bits of information like politics, war, sustainable development, intention and purpose of certain things. These other bits of information gives us a bigger picture of the world as a whole, and can give us a better understanding of where we live.
Victoria Cycling Map
This map shows the cycling routes in Victoria. I like it because it really puts an emphasis on cycling within the city and it shows how the city is interested in maintaining cycling infrastructure. Victoria puts a lot of care into keeping up urban planning, sustainable development and the future of cycling on the island.
Edmonton Cycling Map
This map has a bit more of a basic feel to it. The trails and bike friendly roads are far less developped or marked on this map. Reading the city-wide view is difficult because of the general lack of legend. I actually was reading it upside down before I realized that it was wrong, there are just no points of orientation on the map. Edmonton also puts a comprehensive list of rules and regulations on their cycling maps. It lends a feeling that the city of Edmonton is simply allowing cyclists to exist as long as they follow the rules and regulations of the city.
Backroads Map Book: Vancouver Island
This is my favourite kind of map. I've had one of these for every place I've called home, and I intend on keeping that up for years to come. It not only has a comprehensive overview of every acre of an area, but it also lists places that are open and unheard of for adventure and exploration. To me, these maps are the most exciting as a cyclist and an adventure-driven person. They open my mind to ideas and opportunities for exploration that have been closed without this book.
Maps put things into perspective for me. They open my eyes to the place I live in. They show opportunities, where I've been and where I want to go. They provide historical records of both my world and the world as a whole. I love exploring old maps and seeing places in their (and my) historical context. They put my world into a new perspective.