Maps and Virtual Spaces (Alexa Prewitt)
After reading Chapter 8, I've learned how maps and virtual spaces make up a crucial part of Digital Humanities. According to our textbook, “Mapping tools are an integral part of political and social work with statistical information." When I think of digital mapping, I immediately think of Google maps and Apple Maps. They are both used for navigation and location based services. This ties into the definition that the book provided, because mapping applications help to improve public safety which is one of the main focuses of social work. Mapping is a good way to compare data, understand the flow of how things move from one place to another, and help people navigate unfamiliar areas. One example of how digital mapping is beneficial would be analyzing how a piece of clothing reaches the consumer. The map would show the locations of everywhere that a piece of clothing has been until it finally reaches the buyer.
Chapter 9 talks about three dimensional and virtual models. Simulations that include 3D models can be extremely deceiving. It's hard to understand the concept that a majority of the time, the models aren't shown to scale. In other words, the model would be a lot larger in real life than what it seems. 3D and virtual models are extremely helpful when trying to purchase something. For example, brands like Ray-Ban offer a virtual try on option when trying to pick out a pair of sunglasses. This allows the user to try their sunglasses on their face to see how they fit from a variety of angles.
Virtual tourism certainly has its pros and cons. Virtual tourism is a simulation of an existing location. It allows one to take a tour of a particular location without having to physically go. It is also more cost efficient and significantly more convenient time wise. One downside would be that you wouldn't be able to get an accurate feel for what it would be like to live in a certain location. For example, it's hard to go on virtual tours when trying to pick the college you want to attend. You need to be there in person so you can feel if it's right for you.
I agree, much is lost in a VR tour. But for those who cannot attend an event or visit a location in person, it might be the next best, most immersive option.
ReplyDeleteI find your view on virtual tourism to be compelling. I would much rather be visit an art piece in person to spot fine details such as texture and sheen that is hard to be picked up in photographs. However virtual tours of museums can be convenient for spatializing locations/exhibitions in far away places that require more funds to visit than a college student who makes 11 dollars an hour possesses. I'm super excited for the upcoming curation unit as I've always been curious on how different exhibitions at places such as the Boston MFA are chosen/put together. I am also interested to learn how technology can be incorporated/paired with artifacts such as maps of ancient cities, or reimagined statues.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your opinion on virtual tourism and its positive benefits, but also its negatives as well. I myself am very much an in person shopper when it comes to almost anything. I rarely like to order things off the internet before seeing it in person because although as you stated there are a lot of websites with very helpful and good virtual aspects, you never truly know what you are buying unless seen in person. However, I do feel like this mostly just applies to clothing or accessories that you might wear or needs to fit correctly. When buying something as simple as say a frying pan, shopping online and using the technology provided usually won't be an issue. I also like how you mentioned virtual tourism as in a museum or other important places. I think in that respect a lot of the virtual tours that are used now are extremely well designed and useful. It allows someone who is interested in history or a certain museum to be able to explore it from anywhere no matter how far they are from the real product. Although its not exactly the same, I still feel like virtual tourism is a massive advance in that area and can be applied to many things.
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