Maplab
What Are the Maps That Make Us?
Introducing a new CityLab series of personal essays on the power of maps in shaping our private and public lives.
I have a theory: Whether or not they know it, everyone is a map geek.
Yes, some of us have put in more hours to prove it. If you’ve ever lost an evening poring over a gorgeous topographic portrait of a nearby mountain range, marveled over what’s changed in your neighborhood with a colorful old fire insurance map, or just floated over some mesmerizing digital images of your hometown, raise your hand.