NACIS 2024

Meghan Kelly, Syracuse University; Jim Thatcher, Oregon State University; Bill Limpisathian, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Heather Rosenfeld, Smith College; Laura Kurtzberg, Florida International University; LaToya Gray-Sparks, Virginia Commonwealth University; Avery Everhart, University of British Columbia

What should cartographic curricula look like today? Our mapping tools, theoretical approaches and concepts, readings, assignments, and strategies for assessment are shifting. Also in flux are those who are recognized as doing mapping or teaching. Such changes call for reflection and updates. Here, we convene early-career educators who are devising new cartography curricula for new classes or are rethinking and revising existing curricula through critical cartographic and pedagogic lenses. Our panelists will share and discuss their experiences, insights, and new visions for cartographic curricula that reflect contemporary cartography and pedagogy in both theory and practice.

Nat Case, INCase, LLC; Aileen Buckley, Esri; Martin Gamache, National Geographic Society; Neil Allen, East View Companies; Tim Wallace, New York Times; Brooke Marston, U.S. State Department

What would a general code of ethics in cartography look like? Any code needs some sort of structure to back it up: companies, licensing professional groups, and some organizations have them, with varying degrees of enforcement. So as a field where practitioners are unlicensed, work for a wide range of employers and clients, and come from spectrum of educational and work backgrounds, is there a basis for a broader code? Do we as cartographers have a way of standing up to non-cartographers who ask us do things that are “wrong” as mapping? This panel discussion will start with short presentations by presenters about how codes of ethics work within their work context, and then we will discuss how these might be reflected into the wider field.

Andrew Stauffer, Bethany Walker, Alex Kaufman & Marcelle Caturia, U.S. Geological Survey
In 2022, the National Geospatial Program and the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center launched an application called topoBuilder that allows users to request customized topographic maps, referred to as OnDemand Topos. Currently, topoBuilder offers 1:24,000-scale and 1:100,000-scale map products. The USGS anticipates expanding the product catalog to more scales and use cases , while enhancing The National Map data for automated topographic mapping . Join us in this panel discussion as we overview the current state of topoBuilder and our near-term roadmap. We hope to engage in a discussion about USGS topographic mapping and gather input on authoritative data and citizen-mapping needs.

Margot Dale Carpenter, Hartdale Maps; Erin Greb, Erin Greb Cartography; David Nuttall, Artimaps; Daniel Huffman (moderator)

Come be part of a moderated discussion/Q&A session with four independent cartographers (plus a bonus fifth playing the role of moderator!). Each panelist, with unique backgrounds and experiences, is excited to give you a look into our world of freelancing. Thinking about starting your own business but not sure how? Already freelancing, but need some advice? Come ask us! Plus topics that all self-employed cartographers contend with on a regular basis - clients, expenses, time management, finding a niche, and whatever else you want to talk about. Wherever you are on your freelancing journey, you’ll get some valuable insights, or at least be entertained by a bunch of friendly cartographers chatting about what they love doing for a living.