Have you ever noticed that our vast geospatial community still manages to feel cozy? I’ve often wondered what draws us together beyond our love of data, maps, stunning imagery, and an interesting or planet-saving problem to solve. I’ve learned that we also have a great deal in common when it comes to hobbies. Maybe it’s how our brains are wired now after all that analysis and problem solving. (There’s a fair amount of research that backs up the strong connection to brain development and geospatial technology, maybe we will look at that in a future post.) I read a blog recently about to-do lists that said, “When we complete individual tasks, our brains release dopamine which causes positive feelings such as happiness, pleasure, and motivation.” It makes sense that hobbies that involve completing a physical task might give you the same feelings.

A GPS unit showing 30N 90W on our confluencing trip in 2008. (Photo credit: Joseph Kerski)

You’d expect professionals in geography and GIS related fields to be outdoorsy, enjoying hiking, and camping along with things like confluencing or geocaching, some things that I have enjoyed myself. My friend, Dr. Joseph Kerski, started collecting confluences in 2002. Kerski likes most, “that it gets me off the beaten path…literally…because usually, there is no path.” “Meeting local landowners and being encouraged by their stewardship of the land and their kindness,” inspires him. Several years ago, we picked up three visits in one day. Recently, he achieved a personal milestone by completing an impressive 500th visit to “zero out” his trusty GPS unit.

If you’re not the outdoor type, you might enjoy a less adventurous hands-on activity like carpentry, sewing, gardening, or quilting. I enjoy the simple geometry and creativity of making a quilt, not to mention that they’re practical. Most of the quilts that I’ve made have been given to friends and family for sofa snuggling. With so many combinations available in color and shape, you couldn’t possibly get bored. I also have a collection of antique quilts that were sewn with a single needle and thread, one stitch at a time. I’m impressed by the interminable hours that were given to create them. Two friends, Dr. Diana Sinton and Dr. Shannon White, love to quilt too. Diana has some beautiful landscape inspired creations, while Shannon loves cool fabrics and interesting techniques to try. But this hobby isn’t just for women. Rob at Man Sewing has a replete collection of how-to videos to inspire you dudes out there to get crafty too.

One of the most interesting crossover moments between quilting and GIS that I’ve seen was in Dr. White’s geovisualization class. She took her love of quilting and visualizing patterns, and had her students create “squares of home” and patterns that repeat well (think creating wallpaper) based on their cartographic choices. Next time you’re flying over miles and miles of agricultural fields, I dare you to not see a quilt! It’s what I can’t unsee.

Speaking of maps, have you got a box of old paper maps on a shelf? I do! My friend Dr. Candice Luebbering turned her love of old paper maps and crafting from a fun hobby into a small-maker business. She upcycles all those paper maps into coasters, art and more. If you need paper to create it, a paper map could be fun media to exercise those creative juices…think origami (not just folding the map back into that illusive rectangle), a lamp shade, or wrapping paper.

People have hobbies. So what?! According to Oaks, “Engaging in hobbies can have a profoundly positive impact on your mental health. Hobbies are known to reduce stress, enhance your mood, increase creativity, improve focus and concentration levels, bring a sense of accomplishment and enhance social connections. They also give you a sense of identity, promote self-expression and help build resilience.” Whether you need to walk in the unknown woods to find zeros on your GPS unit or line up puzzle pieces, enlisting a hobby makes many people feel better. Feeling stressed or need to make better maps, perhaps you do need a hobby! If you need me, I’ll be in the she-shed making something new.

Barbaree Duke
Geospatial Crusader