The Green Map System turns 15 this year
The Cape Town Green Map website makes use of a series of award-winning icons designed by the Green Map system which is 15 years old this year.
These award-winning icons are the world's only universal symbol set for maps, not only creating a world-wide community of Green Maps, but also making each green map easy to explore regardless of the language and culture of the viewer.
The very first Green Map was created in New York City in 1992. Originally named the Green Apple Map, it was designed to help tourists, relative newcomers and native New Yorkers develop a renewed personal interest in sustainability, along with the natural sites and culturally significant places that make the city's environment unique.
This fresh approach to connecting community and environment was conceived by Wendy Brawer, and published by her eco-design company, Modern World Design.
The response to this original map sparked the concept of a globally linked, locally adaptable Green Map System. By 1995, development of the global movement was under way and the Cape Town Green Map is part of this community. The Green Apple Map remains the one local project run by GMS's team in New York City.
Since then the Green Map system has moved on in leaps and bounds, with over 500 maps now running. The Green Map system then moved on and launched a participatory map-making website, the Open Green Map. With over 300 maps already on view, Open Green Map is revolutionizing Green Map making, creating an interactive space for everyone to share their insights, images and impacts about local green sites of all kinds.
Open Green Map connects the booming 'go local,' green development and ecotourism movements, empowering widespread participation in critical local environment, climate and equity issues worldwide.
The map is based on open source and familiar mapping technologies like Google Map. Open Green Maps are always available, easily updated, expanded and explored in on-line, mobile and custom formats.
People who use the maps are often surprised and delighted to find great new places to experience sustainability first hand. Every site on every Green Map gains recognition and new patrons. Decision-makers, travelers, educators and many others find that Green Maps give unique insights.
