One of our core passions is to use maps to increase empathy via their ability to provide perspective. Maps are powerful tools that provide a visual understanding of different environments, adding a deeper understanding to the impersonal data – which leads to a deeper connection to an otherwise unfamiliar place. This new perspective allows us to see the world through the eyes of others, putting ourselves in others’ shoes….and boom, we have greater empathy.
The Park Fire
For example, the Park Fire in northeast California has, as of August 13, 2024, burned 429,000 acres – but who the heck really knows how big 429,000 acres is?!? Sounds big…or is it? How many acres is my neighborhood or town?
This is a map of the Park Fire where it currently is burning north of Chico, California.
To help you visualize the Park Fire’s scale, we also created images showing what the Park Fire looks like as if it were burning in the Sonoma/Napa, California area (where HipMaps is based) as well as a selection of major world cities. Would this fire extend beyond the reach of public transportation, or into the suburbs?
The Sonoma & Napa area of California
Chicago, Illinois
New York, New York
Mexico City, Mexico
São Paulo, Brazil
Paris, France
Lagos, Nigeria
Beirut, Lebanon
New Delhi, India
Bangkok, Thailand
Tokyo, Japan
Sydney, Australia
Find this interesting? Head to our September 2021 post “Using Maps To Increase Connection And Empathy” and be sure to subscribe to our fun map-filled monthly newsletter by filling out the form below!