One of the greatest shortcomings I see with Wikipedia and Wikimedia projects is with our use of maps and geospatial data.  I have seen ideas here and there on this mailing list and other places, but it's a big issue to work through.
<br><br>I have background in geography/GIS, ability to use state-of-the-art software such as ArcGIS (<a href="http://www.esri.com">http://www.esri.com</a>) that is generally beyond the means of consumers, and knowledge/skills on how to use it to make maps for Wikipedia.&nbsp; But, the potential demand for maps on Wikipedia is very high, the process of making them can be time consuming, and the number of Wikipedians to fulfill it is limited.&nbsp; I did one a while back for Shoshone National Forest.&nbsp; I could refine the look of this map, come up with some standard, and given lots of time could make one for every protected area in the 
U.S. (and then there&#39;s Canada and other countries). Despite this possibility (with significant effort), I&#39;m not entirely sure having only static, non-interactive maps (quickly can become outdate) is the way to go.&nbsp; I could probably write scripts on the GIS-end of things to help
automate it, and a bot on the wiki-end to ease the process. I have also
played around with the MediaWiki source code and been learning about
writing extensions.<br><br>Also it would be fantastic to be able to use resources such as the &quot;collection of rare maps of Africa, dating from 1530 to 1915&quot; that&#39;s been mentioned.&nbsp; Depending on the map, sometimes it is helpful to georeference them (geoTIFF is the format for this).&nbsp; Also, check out 
<a href="http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/faq.html#3.html">http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/faq.html#3.html</a> (see &quot;Where are the rest of your maps?&quot;)&nbsp; And, the map library at Penn State (<a href="http://www.libraries.psu.edu/maps/">
http://www.libraries.psu.edu/maps/</a>) is quite extensive.&nbsp; <br><br>I know it&#39;s a significant undertaking to develop/integrate any capability beyond static maps.&nbsp; It&#39;s beyond the scope of what Brion and the current developers can handle, given our current resources.&nbsp; But, I think we could use some discussion to learn what kind of maps/mapping/geospatial data capability that people would like to see with Wikipedia?&nbsp; If given more resources, such as support from a grant, along with well developed and thought out ideas, and interest from the community, I think there is possiblity to improve from the status quo.&nbsp; 
<br><br>I have put some more detailed thoughts about this issue here - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:AudeVivere/GIS">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:AudeVivere/GIS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>I mention issues concerning locator maps for articles, offline maps/resources, GIS data resources available, copyright issues with data from some sources, open source mapping/GIS capabilities that exist, previous/current efforts - such as geocoordinates in articles, and other ideas. Feedback welcome!
<br><br>If this interests people, I think we could work to develop specific, feasible ideas.&nbsp; I also have knowledge about writing grant applications and would be glad to help.<br>