Mapping Cyberspace (Paperback)

by Martin Dodge (Author) "In this chapter we provide a brief overview of a number of key aspects central to understanding the scope and importance of the spatialities and..." (more)
Key Phrases: spatial legibility, cognitive map knowledge, cyberfiction writers, New York, Chat Circles, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
'A solid effort demonstrating current and outlining future contributions geographers can make to the developing literature on Information Technology (IT) and societal transformations.' - Progress in Human Geography 2002

'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

'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

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

A solid effort demonstrating current and outlining future contributions geographers can make to the developing literature on Information Technology (IT) and societal transformations. - Progress in Human Geography 2002

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

Product Description
A ground-breaking book, Mapping Cyberspace provides an understanding of what cyberspace looks like and the social interactions that take place there. Written by and inter-disciplinary team of scholars this study explores the impacts of cyberspace on cultural, political and economic relations. Information on a companion website is also included.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (November 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415198844
• ISBN-13: 978-0415198844
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.1 x 0.7 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.com Sales Rank: #1,485,012 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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 (TOP 50 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" (amsterdam) - See all my reviews

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 (REAL NAME)

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.