George F. Jenks

George Frederick Jenks (1916–1996) was an American geographer known for his significant contributions to cartography and geographic information systems (GIS).

Quotes

• War II and unsettled postwar conditions have wrought revolutionary changes in mapping activities. An increasing number and variety of maps are now being produced for service men and civilians. New uses for existing maps are being found and rapid technological advances necessitate the development of new and unique types of maps.
  • From Jenks 1953 publication in Volume 43, issue 4 of the Annals of the Association of American Geographers titled An Improved Curriculum for Cartographic Training at the College and University Level

• It is almost impossible to discuss cartographic training with any practicing cartographer or employer of cartographers without being overwhelmed by a spontaneous outburst of complaints.
  • From Jenks 1953 publication in Volume 43, issue 4 of the Annals of the Association of American Geographers titled An Improved Curriculum for Cartographic Training at the College and University Level

• Too many employers of cartographers have reacted to the academic stress on theory by overrating experience. Experience is invaluable, especially in mapping technology, but in practice it is almost always limited to one type of map problem and the production techniques involve.
  • From Jenks 1953 publication in Volume 43, issue 4 of the Annals of the Association of American Geographers titled An Improved Curriculum for Cartographic Training at the College and University Level

• Poor cartographic training has resulted in poor maps, but the average American, unable to discriminate between good and bad maps, has brought no pressure to bear on producers of poor maps.
  • From Jenks 1953 publication in Volume 43, issue 4 of the Annals of the Association of American Geographers titled An Improved Curriculum for Cartographic Training at the College and University Level

• Instructors in cartography must accept their obligation to students in other disciplines.
  • From Jenks 1953 publication in Volume 43, issue 4 of the Annals of the Association of American Geographers titled An Improved Curriculum for Cartographic Training at the College and University Level

• Although the size and frequency of human error in digital data files can be quite startling, recent research has shown that substantial improvement in accuracy can be attained.
  • From Jenks 1981 publication in Volume 71, issue 1 of the Annals of the Association of American Geographers titled Lines, Computers, and Human Frailties

• In the rush to implement a new computer mapping technology, cartographers and geographers have paid too little attention to their own logical, physiological, and psychological frailties.
  • From Jenks 1981 publication in Volume 71, issue 1 of the Annals of the Association of American Geographers titled Lines, Computers, and Human Frailties