About

What is Media Mapper?

Media Mapper is a mapping tool that shows geospatial data on an interactive global map freely browsable with pins that mark a set of given coordinates. The user can browse the map to view pins that refer to a text in the database.

On its own, media mapper is an empty skeleton application that will function only with a given dataset.

It was initially built for Aqueous Earth Catalog, a map that shows media texts that feature bodies of water. Visit the site to see the mapper in use.

Media Mapper was designed by Ennuri Jo, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania with the generous support of CARGC, and created by Ben Tyler of Lost Creek Designs.

What are some maps that use Media Mapper?

Aqueous Earth Catalog is Media Mapper’s flagship map. See the Maps page for more creations.

In April of 2026, CARGC hosts a half-day symposium where Media Mapper creations are presented to the public. See the Working Group & Symposium page for details.

Can I make my own map?

Yes! This is an open source application, so anyone can clone the mapper and build their own interactive map with their own dataset. See the Make Your Own Map page for a step-by-step guide.

If you are a scholar or artist interested in using Media Mapper for a research project, consider joining the virtual working group and exploring other mapping projects. Selected participants present their work at the University of Pennsylvania symposium. See the symposium page for more information.

Will there be updates to Media Mapper?

Yes. Planned updates include geo-fencing and an improved search function. Working-group participants can provide feedback and exchange ideas with the developer for future updates.

What is CARGC and how is it related to Media Mapper?

CARGC is the Center for Advanced Research in Global Communication, a research institute at the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. The Media Mapper project (the mapper application and the Symposium) is made possible with the generous support of CARGC. Find out more here.

I have more questions.

Write to Ennuri Jo at ennuri.jo@asc.upenn.edu.