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To travel y move throughout the territory, there are several tools of navigation that allow us to explore places of interest and find addresses around the world. These tools, which were previously analog –like the paper maps– they have had their digital version for a long time, such as Google Maps or Waze.
Although these two web applications are the most popular among users, there are other options that are of equal quality or have similar or improved functionalities.
The base map of Catalonia
The Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia (ICGC) presented a few days ago a new service on its website, in which it offers a basemap of Catalonia, and also of whole world. This service digital cartography provides a base of data global maps and of free use for everyone. This will allow companies already developers design new custom applicationssince this new service allows you to incorporate these maps of high quality on web pages and in applications.
From the ICGC they consider that it is new cartography is consolidated as a alternative a similar services owned by private companies – such as Google Maps – and which also has advantages over these. One of them is the use of toponymy in Catalanboth the official like no officialand also the constant updating of specific data for the Catalan territory.
What does it contain?
He Basemapin addition to information detailed y homogeneous at all Catalonia in all its areas, it also includes geographical elements such as buildings, streets, rivers, torrents, roads with their official coding, roads, mountain trails, etc.
Due to these characteristics, the ICGC believes in its great usefulness, not only to develop new tools of geographical navigation, but considers that it is also valuable for him urbanism y forest management o for security and emergency forces in the management of possible crises.
Maps can be viewed in different styleslike the topographiche standardhe simplifiedhe administrative o to the orthophoto imageboth in color and grayscale.
How does the ICGC’s emphasis on open access to this highly detailed basemap potentially democratize access to geographical information and empower citizens in decision-making processes?
## World Today News: Mapping the Future - A Discussion on Digital Cartography
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News’ discussion on the exciting world of digital cartography! Today, we’re joined by two experts to delve into the Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia’s (ICGC) new basemap service and its potential impact. Let’s meet our guests!
* **[Guest 1 Name]:** [Guest 1 Title/Affiliation] and expert in geographical information systems.
* **[Guest 2 Name]:** [Guest 2 Title/Affiliation] specializing in urban planning and development.
**Interview:**
**Section 1: The Changing Landscape of Navigation**
**Interviewer:**
We’ve all become accustomed to using tools like Google Maps and Waze for navigation. How does this new basemap from the ICGC fit into this existing landscape? Is it purely an alternative, or does it offer something unique?
**[Guest 1]:**
**[Guest 2]:**
**Section 2: Open Data and Its Benefits:**
**Interviewer:**
The ICGC specifically mentioned the open access nature of this basemap. What are the advantages of making such a resource freely available to the public and developers?
**[Guest 1]:**
**[Guest 2]:**
**
Section 3: Catalan Focus and Beyond:**
**Interviewer:**
The basemap includes detailed information specific to Catalonia. How important is the use of localized toponymy in a mapping system, and how can this benefit the Catalan region specifically?
**[Guest 1]:**
**[Guest 2]:**
**Interviewer:**
While the map focuses on Catalonia, does it have applications for wider geographic areas as well?
**[Guest 1]:**
**[Guest 2]:**
**Section 4: Applications Across Disciplines:**
**Interviewer:**
The ICGC highlighted the potential benefits of this basemap for various fields beyond navigation. Could you elaborate on how it could be valuable for urban planning, forest management, or even emergency services?
**[Guest 1]:**
**[Guest 2]:**
**Section 5: The Future of Mapping:**
**Interviewer:**
Looking ahead, how do you see this type of open-source, high-quality mapping data shaping the future of geographical information and its applications?
**[Guest 1]:**
**[Guest 2]:**
**
**Conclusion:**
**Interviewer:**
Thank you both for sharing your insights on this fascinating development in digital cartography. It’s clear that the ICGC’s basemap offers exciting possibilities for researchers, developers, and the public alike, paving the way for new innovations in how we understand and interact with the world around us.
