There once lived two separate tribes, the Tessellati and the Vectules. The Tessellati raised egg-laying pigs in “pigcells that were built of regulation size and shape to ensure the best possible packing density”. The Vectules, on the other hand, built a ‘freeform spatial unit, known as a “poly-gone”’. As we discover in the conclusion, the Tessellati represent raster data structure (pigcell = pixel) and the Vectules represent vector data structure (poly-gone = polygon).
This clearly fictional account is valuable not only for its comedic relief, but for how it explains geographic concepts in an entertaining and approachable manner. I feel that considering the widespread use of G.I.S and other geographically-linked products (i.e. G.P.S. navigation systems) it would be beneficial if there was a greater understanding by the general public of the underlying theories and concepts that enable these tools to function. Explaining these concepts in a way that “McNoleg” demonstrated would bring basic concepts to a non-academic audience. Undoubtedly, understanding G.I.S in great depth is out of the scope of most people. However, just like understanding basic car mechanics enables better drivers, knowing basic geographic concepts would enable people to get more out of, and have a greater appreciation for, the powerful technologies they use every day.
-Benny