Entry 8:
I happened across this podcast when I discovered Directions Magazine. This episode is is part of a podcast series based on The GeoInspirations column in the magazine and hosted by Dr. Joseph Kerski. It is a great discussion with Allen Carroll and how new mapping technology is changing the way we tell stories.
Carroll worked for 27 years with National Geographic in both their storytelling (magazine) division and their maps division, where he was chief cartographer. This led him to the very unique job he now holds as the Program Manager for Storytelling at Esri.
Esri produces ArcGIS StoryMaps, a fantastic website that allows users to combine text, interactive maps, and other multiple media to create an immersive story for their audience. Carroll and his team feel like maps are more than just good looks. They can offer spatial visuals that demonstrate how places or people groups connect in the real world. It can also offer a story a greater sense of place. Sometimes it just helps paint a more vivid picture in the audience's mind when they know exactly where the story is taking place.
It reminds me of HistoryPin, which Jake introduced us to in the digital story curation. Only Esri takes it further by leaps and bounds!
I am very much a visual learner and sometimes I just need to see things for myself, including where something is located on the map, how close it is to other places. It just helps me understand the story better. I think that is why am so excited about geospatial technology. I also have a keen interest in archaeology and cultural heritage, which GIS plays a large role in as well.
Carroll has posted some great digital storytelling tips on their website that is worth checking out as well. Though Esri is a for profit company, they have a great mission. You can tell that Carroll is passionate about his job. Check out more here.
I found the episode so interesting that I continued on to the next. There, we were introduced to Dr. Shannon White, GIS Certificate Coordinator at William and Mary.
White said something that made something click within me, when she said,
"Having people think about scale and representation using colors and things like that, it's so easy and accessible. But, also, asking people to stop and think, "Where is that value your adding and making sure the audience understands it..."
Since I began my MLIS, I have been beating the drum of context! That is what I try to do with every exhibit I put together here at work. Information is truly meaningless to people if it is not in context. It is like they are unsure what to do with it. We have to make sure they understand what the information is AND why it is important. When White said the statement above, I realized that Digital Storytelling is all about putting things into context for people. Showing them more points of view. Letting them see why things are meaningful to others (even if it is not to them). Digital Storytelling will definitely be a tool I keep and use throughout my career. Not just as a way of preserving culture, but in helping others understand why it should be saved and the value of such things.
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