|
How Did the Atlas Evolve?
|
|
|
|
|
Our dream of
creating an atlas took root at 2002's Global Green Mapmakers Meeting. Instead
of a conventional atlas, we opted to profile map creation and community
impacts from a regional perspective. We discussed our concept with recent
grantor Japan-US Community Education and Exchange and thanks to them, Japan
Foundation and ten dedicated Mapmakers, Volume One focuses on Asia and North
America
"Green Maps are not your basic bit of cartography"
—San Diego Union Tribune |
|
Choosing Ten Projects
With so many exemplary projects in Asia and North America, it was difficult
to determine which to include in Volume One. We created a decision matrix
reflecting our network's diversity and comparing:
|
|
• |
uniqueness
of the process/result |
|
• |
thoroughness
in charting sustainability resources |
|
• |
local
support and impacts |
|
• |
contributions
to the Green Map network |
|
• |
ease
of accessing copies of featured Green Maps |
|
Since future volumes will cover other world regions or themes, eventually
every great Green Map Story will be featured in the Atlas series. |
|
When the Green Map Atlas expanded into a multimedia "eBook" publication,
its potential to reach and impact communities instantly multiplied. The
Atlas is innovative in several ways:
|
|
Showcasing
the mapmaking process,
in addition to the resulting maps |
|
Illustrating
key sites and practicalities
to spur related projects |
|
Encouraging
ecologically-sound, decentralized distribution |
|
Harmonizing
local and global goals |
|
Encouraging
public responses to help
shape the project's future |
|
The Atlas is great reading for students, journalists, community leaders,
funders, tourists, grassroots activists and global citizens —share
your copy today!
Tell
a friend about the Atlas.
|
|
