geomantic

‘Geomantic’ is a word that has to do with geomancy, a method of divination using the landscape, bits of the earth, or geologic features. The mildly occult nature of the term hints at the intersection of geography the meaning of space in our lives. This blog is about places, locations, space, and spatial relationships in the very broadest sense. It draws on philosophical and sociological concepts, but also includes the technical tools with which we establish and understand those relationships.

My main interest is in geography and the experience of space and place. I am a longtime GIS user, and an advocate for open data, open standards, and open source software. I am active in OpenStreetMap, including mapping activities in and around Washington, DC, northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland.