Dr. David Baylis, assistant professor in UA Little Rock’s Department of History, will discuss the importance of maps in a modern setting and how map-making techniques and technologies can evolve to meet those needs.

“Maps are indeed a complex and highly nuanced form of infographic,” stated Baylis. “That being said, the ability to think spatially and create maps that have meaning, that matter, and that speak to contemporary social and environmental concerns is a task that should extend beyond the expert map-maker and to the general populace as a whole.”

Baylis’ presentation, “Maps that Matter: GeoLiteracy, Geospatial Technologies and the Democratization of Mapping,” will make the case for more accessible mapping technologies and skills in order to best serve an increasingly diverse society.

His lecture will begin at 6 p.m. in the George W. Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology Auditorium.

Baylis is a human geography and cartography expert who obtained his Ph.D. in geography from Michigan State University. He joined UA Little Rock’s faculty this semester.

For more information, contact the Department of Earth Sciences at 501-569-3546 or visit the EARTHtalk! website.