Tagg – COMPUTERISED MAPPING 1995

Description

This four-page paper, “Computerised Mapping,” authored by Colin C Tagg on May 15, 1995, provides a highly credible and insightful historical perspective on the early evolution and adoption of digital cartography and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Drawing on Tagg’s extensive background with leading UK and international cartographic houses, government projects, and significant database design work (such as the London database), the document demystifies the science and pitfalls of computerised mapping from a practitioner’s viewpoint. Presented as a text-only report, likely a transcript of a presentation, it offers a valuable snapshot of the challenges, strategic considerations, and emerging technologies of the mid-1990s, including remote sensing and GPS. Its significance lies in its candid discussion of early investments, misconceptions, and the importance of long-term planning, making it an essential read for understanding the foundational period of digital mapping.