Contemporary Maps

Definition

Contemporary maps are current, up-to-date representations of geographical areas. They utilize modern technologies such as GPS and satellite imagery to provide accurate depictions of physical features, political boundaries, climate zones, etc.

Analogy

If early maps are like your grandparents' photo albums, contemporary maps are like Instagram - they're updated constantly with new information (like location tags), use advanced technology (like filters), and can be accessed from anywhere at any time.

Related terms

Geographic Information System (GIS): A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.

Satellite Imagery: Images of Earth collected by imaging satellites operated by governments and businesses around the world.

GPS (Global Positioning System): A satellite-based radionavigation system owned by the United States government that provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth.