Geograpy, the study of the earth, it matters! Studying and learning about the earth in terms of the inhabitants, phenomena and features on it, this is geography. Why should you care? Why does geography matter? We live in an increasingly global society and economy, yet geographic literacy seems to be at an all time low. This is positively astounding considering we, as a nation, are currenlty fighting a war halfway around the world.

How many people know where this war is? How many have an idea where Iraq even is? How many people know Iraq is part of the area historically known as the "fertile crescent," where agriculture is believed to have began fostering the foundations for organized culture. Hence the region is also known as one of the, "cradles of civilization." How many people in this country know this?

Thankfully, technology is starting to increase geographic curiosity and awareness. Google Earth has placed a spatial data viewer in the hands of the masses. When attempting to explain what my job is as a GIS professional, the most common response is, "Oh, you mean like Google Earth." Granted the truth is more Google Earth is like ArcExplorer or ArcGlobe, two software products we offer. Still, the fact remains, Google Earth has brought GIS to the masses. Hopefully this increased availability will continue to spawn geographic curiosity and increase the collective American geographic curiosity. Is this wishful thinking? It very well may be, but we can hope.