Mapping Cyberspace [Paperback]

Martin Dodge (Author), Rob Kitchin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 4, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0415198844 | ISBN-13: 978-0415198844 | Edition: 1

Mapping Cyberspace is a ground-breaking geographic exploration and critical reading of cyberspace, and information and communication technologies. The book:
* provides an understanding of what cyberspace looks like and the social interactions that occur there
* explores the impacts of cyberspace, and information and communication technologies, on cultural, political and economic relations
* charts the spatial forms of virutal spaces
* details empirical research and examines a wide variety of maps and spatialisations of cyberspace and the information society
* has a related website at http://www.MappingCyberspace.com.
This book will be a valuable addition to the growing body of literature on cyberspace and what it means for the future.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Mapping Cyberspace is an important pioneering work.  The authors have performed a valuable service and have produced an essential reference for anyone seriously interested in the spatial, social, economic and cultural implications of telecommunications infrastructure and cyberspace.' - William J Mitchell, Environment and Planning

'The book provides a clear and broad introduction to major theoretical. Methodical, and empirical issues related to cyberspace research.  Mapping Cyberspace is a critical first stop for any researcher interested in contributing new knowledge in this exciting emerging field.' - Joshua Lepawsky, University of Kentucky for Cultural Geographies

About the Author

Martin Dodge is a researcher and computer technician at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University College, London. Rob Kitchin is a lecturer in Human Geography at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (November 4, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415198844
• ISBN-13: 978-0415198844
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,189,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Geography and the Web, March 3, 2004

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mapping Cyberspace (Hardcover)

Cyberspace has a connectivity all its own; these days most commonly expressed by the linkages between HTML documents put on the web. Conversely, the real world has a physical geography. Thus far, there have been some linkages between the two, like mapping software on the web.

But the authors go way beyond that simple application. They provide imaginative suggestions of how cyberspace, and most importantly, a pervasive wireless connectivity to it, can enable a nomadic environment where you can get information from cyberspace about your physical surroundings. Plus, of course, enhanced interactions with those surroundings, based on this data.

It appears that the study and use of geography, as currently performed, may soon undergo profound changes, in a way that will give it key commercial utility.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars does not live up to expectations.., April 30, 2006

By 

mvk "mvk" (The Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mapping Cyberspace (Paperback)

Although the book boasts what seems as an interesting approach, it rarely lives up to the idea of cross-breeding geography with studies of the Internet. I found myself lost in endless rants on what can now be assumed to be common wisdom (i.e. explanations and definitions of the www, e-mail, usenet, etc.). Furthermore, I have found a lot of typos, which I find not only sloppy, but simply disgusting given the price of the book. Methodologically the book seems very rich, but it fails to elaborate thorougly on issues. An example of the latter would be the chapter on cyberspace, which quotes many authors being of relevance to the study of cyberspace, but how exactly is not thorougly discussed, it is merely mentioned.

On a more theoretical level, I find the authors' emphasis on spatiality intriguing, but not as relevant as they pose it is. I strongly disagree with their virtual / actual distinction, which can only clutter theoretical discussions on the implications of cyberspace on our lives. I fail to see why people still metaphysically dichotomize the so-called 'real world' with the digital world. Sure, there are differences, but who would disagree networked information technologies have an impact on us?

Just what the future of cartography / geography will be remains extremely shady and mysterious. Sad but true.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cyberspace Overview, May 26, 2007

By 

S. Harris "SWO MAN" (Vienna, VA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mapping Cyberspace (Paperback)

As with any book covering the evolving space we call cyberspace, this book is dated at its printing. However, the issues and thoughts brought up in it are ones that are valid over time. A must read.