Discovering the Authentic Cartographer

                This blog is not concerned with analyzing my favourite city map; rather, it will attempt to disseminate some of the key concerns I have with an authority (in this case the Edmonton Police Service) systematically categorizing and mapping the achievements of their industry.  For starters, the mandatory disclaimer, which is prompted prior to accessing any information, essentially removes the “authority” from bearing any affiliation to the legitimacy of the site’s information.  In my opinion, disclaimers 1, 2 and 5 are inherently contradictory to the sites main initiative, which is arguably to provide citizens of the Edmonton area the opportunity to participate in a community policing initiative. 

                Prior to accessing the site, citizens must understand and agree that: you cannot sue the EPS for anything related to the site [disclaimer 1]; delays, INNACURACIES AND OMMISSIONS (my emphasis) can occur [disclaimer 2]—and most likely will depending on the nature of the crime; and, finally, that the locations shown on the map are near but are not the exact locations reported to the police [disclaimer 5].   Well, how close is near? Within one street?  One block?  One community?  How many inaccuracies and omissions occur?  We are aware from the layout of the site alone that all “white collar” crimes have been omitted, as well as all crimes involving weapons and narcotics.

                 If one is to assume that the mapping of city space is a credible and legitimate process when conducted by an “authority” in our society; then I believe one should also assume complete and total disclosure is mandatory as well.  Without question, the information posited on this site affects public opinion—especially when one attempts to determine the appropriateness of space utilization.  With respect to my community, Oliver Square, the amount of crimes situated on this map certainly sways public opinion of the area, which, in turn, influences property value, local businesses and economic growth.  This wouldn’t be such an issue if, and only if, the EPS absolutely stood behind the credibility of the site’s sources and information.  Without complete disclosure, I believe this map does not eclipse the boundaries of gossip and hearsay.        

Origins of the Transplanted Calgarian

At this point in my life it seems almost nonsensical to frame a blog under the rubric of the “Transplanted Calgarian” as I have been living and attending school in the city of Edmonton for the last four years.  So, I began to wonder, at what point does my affiliation with the city of Calgary cease to impress my interpretations and interactions with the city of Edmonton?  As a child I certainly never imagined myself moving to a place which harbours the rivalled Oilers franchise, led alone developing a strong affiliation with the city—its school, people, landmarks and natural environment.  But I have.

It seems as though a great deal of the rivalry between these two cities is, at least in my opinion, based on inherent social insecurities that stem from the historic quest to “claim” the province of Alberta.  From Boosterism to sporting franchises, Calgary and Edmonton have always been pitted against one another in an attempt to claim the sole possession of Alberta—I am reminded of the Calgary Flame's choice to sew Alberta’s flag to their jerseys, which almost screams, “WE are Alberta, and WE are her true conquerors.”  Of course, this manipulation of the flag is not inconsistent with humanities quest to define the boarders and boundaries around the things we hold dear.  With that said, my experiences with both cities have drastically changed since I moved to Edmonton (though admittedly I am still not an Oilers fan) as I now hold both places very closely to my heart. 

So, in answer to my question posited above, I suppose my affiliation with “the heart of the new West” will never cease to impress my interactions with “the city of champions”; that said, my newfound rapport with Edmonton will equally affect my interpretations of the place I used to absolutely consider home—Calgary.