Mark Monmonier

Critics' Comments

“The author of many excellent books on cartography, Monmonier explores the ramifications of studding the physical and digital landscapes with tracking equipment . . . We, whose compromised privacy provides less joy, can at least be glad of Monmonier’s incisive account of ‘dataveillance’ and its implications for civil liberties.” -- Booklist

“In this short, clever book . . . Monmonier is refreshingly straightforward about his own research and life . . . For starters, he provides his address.” -- New Scientist

“Despite apprehension about surveillance technology, Spying with Maps is not crammed with dire warnings about eyes in the sky and invasive tracking. Monmonier’s approach encompasses both skepticism and the acknowledgement that geospatial technology brings with it unprecedented benefits to governments, institutions, and individuals, especially in an era of asymmetric warfare and bioterrorism. . . . With wit and clarity, Monmonier offers readers an engaging, even-handed introduction to the dark side of the mapping technology.” -- Physical Science Digest

“Monmonier isn’t afraid to voice his opinions on what he feels are justified or unjustified uses of tracking technologies, which makes Spying with Maps a welcome relief from the reams of tortured academic prose where the writer vainly attempts to establish a ‘professional distance’ from a topic and avoids saying anything of consequence in a language non-academics can read without being driven to immediate slumber.” – Technology and Society Book Reviews

“I found this to be a truly fascinating and thought-provoking book. I was aware that such things could be done but it was interesting to learn just how detailed certain applications are.” -- M2 Best Books (Gale Group e-journal)

“Monmonier explains cogently how global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing . . . can track the whereabouts of individuals. . . . He asks whether applications will be limited to law enforcement or extend to direct marketing and concludes that the concept of “locational privacy” may take on increasing importance.” -- Privacy Journal

“Monmonier carefully weaves a chapter on satellite and other observation of farms into privacy issues, involving Supreme Court decisions on the use of thermal imaging to infer the presence of illegal drug crops in houses. This is elegantly and interestingly done. . . . If you want an awareness-raising book or if you want a book for a friend outside the GI field, then I commend it to you; you could not do better than this yourself.” -- International Journal of Geographical Information Science

“[Monmonier] discusses the integration of spatial and personal data, that his message of protecting personal privacy takes form. He conveys this message by discussing the issues surrounding the technologies and leaving readers to question these issue for themselves. For this reason, I love the book. It not only makes readers think critically about issues surrounding personal privacy, it also opens their eyes to what personal data may be collected about them, where these data may end up, who may be using them, and for what purposes.” -- Cartographica

“highly relevant as both as layman’s guide and a fundamental reference for the media and any professional engaged in preparing and using cartographic data” -- Cartography

“Spying with Maps is a reference volume to be enjoyed equally at the scholarly desktop or at home in front of the fire, with a glass of good red wine. . . . [Monmonier’s] writing style maintains accessibility for a general readership without sacrificing academic interest.” -- Cartographic Perspectives

“Mark Monmonier’s Spying with Maps delivers a provocative and engaging commentary on the use and misuse of geographical tools in society’s attempts to explain, monitor, represent and resolve enviornmental and social concerns.” -- Cultural Geographies