There are few that can easily put down a National Geographic magazine once they have opened it.  The maps, stories, and photos of distant places are captivating; bringing a sense of adventure and wonder to both young and old.

The National Geographic Society (NGS) was founded in 1888 in Washington, D.C. by 33 explorers and scientists including Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone.  Among its many current activities, the NGS publishes magazines, films, and maps that support its stated mission to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge while promoting the conservation of the world's cultural, historical, and natural resources."

In addition, the NGS is a sponsor of BioBlitz, an annual 24-hour event in which teams of scientists, volunteers, and community members join forces to find, identify, and learn about as many local plant and animal species as possible.  The 2008 BioBlitz was held in the Santa Monica Mountains in Southern California.  The event is chronicled through a Geostory player.  This multimedia presentation includes a location map that can be switched between topographic maps, street maps, aerial images, and hybrid displays; photos geotagged to specific locations on the map; short written descriptions of each photo; and pan and zoom capabilities.

Comments Allen Carroll, Executive Vice President and Chief Cartographer, National Geographic Maps, "One of the challenges in society today is interpreting the increasing amount of information that constantly bombards us.  So, rather than helping us make better decisions, the sheer amount of information sometimes causes us to tune it out.  We see maps as storytelling devices and approaching them from that point of view editorially is one of the successes of National Geographic Society.  Through our maps and other media, we attempt to filter and interpret information so that we can tell stories that help the general public develop a greater perception of the world, which leads to better understanding and knowledge."