Mapping: balance of purpose and joy

04 Jun 2026
13:50 - 14:20
Room 233

Mapping: balance of purpose and joy

This presentation explores the delicate balance between mapping for a specific practical purpose and mapping for the pure joy of the hobby. While utility drives critical data collection, mapping without considering actual application can lead to overcomplicated data and heavy maintenance burdens. The talk highlights common pitfalls, such as gathering data for hypothetical apps that will never be built , while offering practical advice on how to map mindfully. Ultimately, it advocates for a thoughtful approach where mappers balance real-world usage with fun, ensuring they enrich the map ecosystem without breaking it.