From Paper to Pixels: The Evolution of Ocean Mapping and Exploration

Vicki Ferrini, a senior research scientist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, traces the history of ocean mapping, highlighting pioneering figures like Marie Tharp, whose work revolutionized our understanding of the seafloor and contributed to the plate tectonics revolution. She explores how the field has shifted from a niche domain to a collaborative global effort, involving diverse expertise from across the world. This presentation was part of "Mapping Our World," a Library of Congress celebration of Geography Awareness Week and GIS Day, which also featured interactive games and crafts that explored the history of ocean mapmaking and navigation through the centuries, as well as a display of oceanic collection items.