----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Linda R Zellmer" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Map&AirPhotoDiscussionList" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 9:27:49 AM GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central
Subject: Eleven Questions for the future of Geographical Science Research

Good Morning!

I thought that you might find the following information from the news feeds this morning of interest.

"March 25, 2010 --  A new report from the National Research Council presents 11 questions that should shape the next decade of geographical sciences research. Reflecting a time when populations are moving and natural resources are being depleted, the questions aim to provide a more complete understanding of where and how landscapes are changing to help society manage and adapt to the transformation of Earth's surface. (National Academies of Science)"

An article about the announcement can be found in Science Daily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100325113429.htm

The report summary is available at: http://dels.nas.edu/dels/rpt_briefs/strategic_directions_report_brief_final.pdf

The full report is available at: http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12860

The questions:

How to understand and respond to environmental change:

    * How are we changing the physical environment of Earth's surface?
    * How can we best preserve biological diversity and protect endangered ecosystems?
    * How are climate and other environmental changes affecting the vulnerabilities of coupled human-environment systems?

How to promote sustainability:

    * Where and how will 10 billion people live?
    * How will we sustainably feed everyone in the coming decade and beyond?
    * How does where we live affect our health?

How to recognize and cope with the rapid spatial reorganization of economy and society:

    * How is the movement of people, goods, and ideas changing the world?
    * How is economic globalization affecting inequality?
    * How are geopolitical shifts influencing peace and stability?

How to leverage technological change for the benefit of society and environment:

    * How might we better observe, analyze, and visualize a changing world?
    * What are the societal implications of citizen mapping and mapping citizens?

So, I am posing a 12th Question: How can we as cartographic information professionals contribute towards answering these questions?

Linda Zellmer

--
Linda Zellmer
Government Information & Data Services Librarian
415 Malpass Library
Macomb, IL 61455
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Phone: 309-298-2723
Fax: 309-298-2791