Vol X, No. 1 - Winter 2002
Contents |
In Focus |
Mapmaking |
Geonews |
Profile |
Planning |
Employee
Allen Carroll is chief cartographer of National Geographic Maps. Allen graduated from Connecticut College and has been a staff member of the National Geographic Society for more than 15 years.
A typical day in the chief cartographer's office at National Geographic Maps is a great mix of stuff according to Allen Carroll, its chief and EVP. A wearer of many hats, Allen must attend to the tiniest of detail in a National Geographic page map, foster alliances with consultants and government agencies, and address the administrivia assigned to the office. However, he revels that he has plenty of time for the "fun stuff" -- design, creation, and brainstorming with colleagues.
Though not formally trained in design and mapmaking, Allen's interest in maps began at an early age -- planning routes for the family vacation from the heartland of America, Indiana. Self-trained in design, he began his career as a free-lance designer/illustrator. This led to staff positions with the National Geographic as a designer and art director. Over the years Allen has been involved with many award-winning projects, among them the National Geographic Historical Atlas of the United States, the Millennium map supplement series, and the MapMachine on the Web.
Responsible for both print and e-media products, Allen likes to talk about "revolutions" in cartography -- computers, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning technology (GPS), and the Internet. He maintains that computers, GIS, and desktop publishing software have made the greatest impact on NG Maps work. With a highly talented staff, this new toolset has permitted the Society to create innovative products, such as the MapMachine, with a staff of 30 -- and a lot of help from ESRI, the GIS software company
Though the acclaimed MapMachine is current innovation and technology, the most popular product ever produced by National Geographic Maps is its World Political map. Literally millions have been produced over the years in many different versions including the Mercator, Van der Griten, Robinson, and currently Winkel Tripel. In the 110-year history of the National Geographic Society, more than 450 map supplement titles have been produced. Generally it takes about one year to produce a map supplement from initial design to final press run. However, the December 2001 supplement, Afghanistan, developed from initial concept to publication in five weeks -- a record for a large-format supplement map!
Allen states that the most supreme challenges facing NG Maps are managing change-keeping up with evolving technology; storytelling -- melding complex details into an inviting, compelling map; and serving the public -- fulfilling National Geographic's mission "to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge." Maintaining such a great tradition and reputation of excellence will be challenging indeed.
To learn more about the National Geographic, maps, and access the MapMachine, visit the Web at nationalgeographic.com.
- Tim Carter
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