Gatekeepers, Luddites, Haters and AI-Generated Maps
18 hours ago
- The author opposes generative AI in cartography, rejecting accusations of being a gatekeeper, Luddite, or AI hater.
- AI-generated maps are promoted by professionals, but the author, a non-mapmaker, refuses to use them because the AI does the work, not the user.
- Key issues: AI-generated maps lack copyright protection, contain serious inaccuracies (e.g., maps with two Ohios), and are shared without disclaimers, leading to ethical concerns.
- AI adoption in other fields has led to mass layoffs and precarious work, not leisure; professionals should be Luddites opposing poor conditions.
- Comparing generative AI to typewriters is flawed; the author likens it to cocaine—addictive and impairing creative thinking.
- Broader costs include environmental damage, plagiarism lawsuits, bubble economics, and public fury over AI replacing human interaction.