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Subject: Re: MAPS-L: NRCan announces end to paper topo maps Jan 2007
(complete version)
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005
From: Brian Bach <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask]
Many thanks to Brad Green and all involved for spreading the news about
this important issue.
I was wondering, what do map library persons think of this sort of
thing? Do they feel threatened by it? Is it good, bad or indifferent in
its implications? Or maybe none of the above - just . . . different?
Speaking for myself, as far a sweeping-change issues of today (and
there are many), I am often compelled to politicize them. This is only
because of evidence that indicates an ever-increasing presence of a
corporate mentality in realms not necessarily dominated by such revised
methods before. That is, the corporate mentality of today. (I'll leave
it up to each individual to choose their own definitions of that
particular entity.)Because of my interpretation of this trend, I am
suspect about the true value of such easily dashed-off motives as 'cost
effectiveness' and 'up-to-date'.
If Brad can make this statement (full message further below):
<<The CMO states that paper maps are not their "raison d'etre" they
want
to concern themselves with the digital map files only, they claim
because that is better but I am convinced their real motivation is
simply because they think digital data is cheaper than a warehouse of
paper maps.>>
then I think this might be an issue of concern on multiple levels.
Inevitable, certainly, but are map library people comfortable with the
prospect of the societal (yes, I think so) change that will result?
I have few equivocations about technological developments, which will
advance no matter what anyone thinks, but I wonder about the agenda,
overt or occult, that any associated power on the corporate level might
wish to enact in its own interest.
How then, should we react, if at all?
All best,
Brian
Brian P. Bach
Documents/Maps
Brooks Library
Central Washington University
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7548
USA
[log in to unmask]
>>> [log in to unmask] 09/26/05 9:56 AM >>>
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Subject: Fw: NRCan announces end to paper topo maps Jan 2007 (complete
version)
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005
From: Matthew Parsons <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
This was posted on CARTA-L last week. I don't remember seeing it
posted
on this list yet (and if it has, my apologies), but I thought some of
you might be interested in what's being proposed in Canada. It's
creating quite a lot of traffic on the Canadian map libraries
listserv.
Matthew Parsons, Map Librarian
Map Collection and Cartographic Information Services Unit
University of Washington Libraries
206-543-9392
----- Original Message -----
From: Lori Sugden
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 3:04 PM
Subject: FW: NRCan announces end to paper topo maps Jan 2007 (complete
version)
Hello all, I noted that the original message was incomplete and
checked
it with Brad Green. The full version follows:
* * * *
Would you please send this note to the CARTA list and any other
interested parties. If you agree with me that this is a very bad
policy
decision (abandoning paper topographic maps) could you please assist
me
in making this fact known.
Thanks,
Brad Green
President, World of Maps Inc.
Sept 22, 2005
On September 7, 2005 Natural Resources Canada invited the Regional
Distribution Center (RDC) business representitives from across Canada
to
hear the bleak future prospect for paper topographic maps in Canada.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. John Dawson, Acting Director Centre for
Topographic Information
Other government representatives attending are:
Ms. Jean Cooper, Director General, Mapping Services Branch
Barbara MacIntosh, Manager CMO
Marjo Lalonde, Supervisor
John Donner, CTI
Sylvain Lemay, CTI
Pat Fish, CTI
Donna Williams, Atlas of Canada
Steve Westley, Atlas of Canada
Craig Stewart, Geo Connections
Current plans from the federal government is that the Canada Map
Office
(CMO) is to be permanently closed at the end of the current business
lease for the 130 Bentley Ave warehouse in Jan 2007
The CMO has already discontinued press runs of all NTS maps
The CMO now wants to discontinue printing - plotting paper maps of any
sort (currently a plotter is used to replenish out of print paper
maps).
The CMO states that paper maps are not their "raison d'etre" they want
to concern themselves with the digital map files only, they claim
because that is better but I am convinced their real motivation is
simply because they think digital data is cheaper than a warehouse of
paper maps.
The CMO proposal at the moment is that RDC's would access vector data
and produce paper maps for sale. The actual exact method this will
take
is unknown, a presentation by PCI Geomatics of a map server model they
developed was given.
World of Maps Inc. is an RDC and there are ten other private and
government agencies acting as RDC's across Canada. This distribution
network for selling paper topographic maps has been established
successfully for about 10 years. There are also thousands of smaller
retail dealers across the country as well. The users of topographic
maps
(our customers) are from various groups including: Search & Rescue,
Forest Fire crews, Hunters, Fishermen, Outdoor recreation users,
Engineering firms, Environmental firms, developers, Oil & Gas Pipeline
companies, Mining firms, University field workers and many other
organizations and individuals.
The issue of the old dates of topographic maps was raised at the
meeting
as it always is, this time used as a reason to discontinue paper maps.
(NRCan policy decisions to cut costs some years ago was to no longer
update any more paper topo maps) The majority of the Canadian
landmass
is unpopulated, and there is likely no difference to when the paper
maps was originally produced. That small percentage of topographic
maps
near populated areas are indeed quite old and that is important. Our
experience is that people use topographic maps for either remote areas
or for the actual accurate geographic information and the date of the
maps is not as important a factor.
The government claims that they have up-to-date digital vector map
data
(their demonstation map at this meeting did not support that claim
however) and it appears to me that the government feels that there is
no
longer any need to continue to produce paper maps. The quality of the
demonstration topo map produced was inferior in quality to a regular
paper topo map with that typical computer generated "schematic" look.
While the demo map featured an old road network presumably once
operational the main advantage of this type of product is that it is
"more up-to-date" as I pointed out above that is not relevant to most
of
the Canadian landmass.
The RDC's were told that if there is a business case it is up to each
individual RDC to purchase a large format printer and necessary
software
to print and distribute topographic maps in the future because the
government policy at this time is to abandon paper maps as much as
possible.
In my opinion it is the responsibility of the federal government to
continue to produce paper maps of the Canadian landmass for Canadian
taxpayers. If indeed the digital vector map data can be used to
produce
a more up to date paper map it is the responsibilty of the government
to
do that. Our business has the printing facilities to produce maps as
suggested but I would prefer to be able to do that AND continue to
access the existing paper maps at the CMO because despite being old
they
are of better quality and paid for in full by Canadian taxpayers.
I intend to make this issue known to all interested parties, please
contact me if you agree and can help in any way.
Faithfully,
Brad Green
President
--
========= World of Maps Inc. =========
The Source for Geographic and Travel information
1235 Wellington St. Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1Y 3A3
Telephone (613) 724-6776 -OR- 1-800-214-8524
Fax. (613) 724-7776 or 1-800-897-9969
http://www.worldofmaps.com mailto:[log in to unmask]
Brad Green's private email mailto:[log in to unmask]
--
--
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