Cartifact Labs

Cartifact Labs is a new effort within Cartifact, Inc. with its mission: to identify, explore, and provide expertise in emerging technologies related to the creation and use of maps.

To that end we have defined three areas of focus: mapping, software, and project management. Our mapping focus is centered around the value we place on richly rendered design elements. Always an important part of cartography, the art of map design has taken a back seat to the recent technological advances in the field. Our mapping scope also includes work in 3D environments, work with remote sensing imagery, online platforms, and cartographic software development. Supporting our mapping focus is Cartifact Labs' exploration and expertise in graphic software and experience in both large scale and high profile cartographic project management.

As the Labs pursues its mission in our three focused areas, our outward interface is multi-faceted, providing leadership, consultancy, partnership, training, mentoring, and subcontract design. Our recent consulting and design work in the development of Yahoo! Maps' new look and feel is a model of partnering we intend to continue. Another example of our internal R&D is the development of Cartifactory, a software “black box” allowing Cartifact's experienced cartographers to define a geographic area of interest and, in one step, create a fully styled map ready for final cartographic adjustment.

Expect to see Cartifact Labs at the leading edge of mapping innovation and community–at industry conferences, partnering with major technology providers, and developing our unique style and products.