Cluster Islands Map Proposal

Maestro Dyser,

My gratitude to you for meeting with me last month. I'm not trying to argue that my idea isn't overly ambitious and likely impossible; it most certainly is on both counts. But I've taken your suggestions and chosen a focus.

Scribe Elan

To: Accreditation Committee Members
From: Scribe Elan Straibala
Regarding: advancement from apprenticeship to accreditation

Maestros,
After two years at the Eddy I have recently met the apprenticeship requirements in description writing by documenting the Water Seekers. I was delayed because while completing the project I also was exploring ideas for an accreditation thesis. I realize the committee traditionally recommends a respite before pursuing an additional title; however, I have already made a beginning of my planned thesis and I am reluctant to lose momentum.

I intend to create a framework for a comprehensive body of knowledge about the Cluster Islands, the surrounding ocean, and the lands recently visited by the Exploratory Corps. I am not trying to duplicate the work of the academic writers recovering the Zaiyev archives. Instead, I will write for a general audience with the purpose of introducing readers to the islands as places to visit.

Part of Walemin's goal in developing the conduits was to allow easier travel for people as well as trade. As a member of a company with contacts on many islands, she traveled extensively throughout the Cluster. She felt enriched by her experiences and believed that if travel were less costly and time-consuming more people could have the same opportunity.

It's true that many of Walemin's plans had disastrous consequences. But having myself spent two years away from home, meeting people from very different places and cultures, I agree with her that the experience has been rewarding and that it would benefit anyone to do the same.

I propose to organize my work around the centerpiece of a series of maps. I want my thesis to have practical as well as academic purpose, but the entire planned project will be such a volume of writing that few would have the interest or ability to read all of it. Associating articles with map locations will enable readers to quickly find the information, and publishing different types of maps will direct them to what they most want to know.

These maps could be sent to conduit switching stations and island ports. Prospective travelers should be able to access them where they live as well as during their journey. The conduit map would be especially useful when changing routes, since there are very few tracks that connect two islands without any switching.

Cluster Islands Introduction

At the most basic, an outline map of the Cluster Islands provides a quick glance at each island without distracting details. This map lists for each island the most important piece of information a traveler will need: how to eat at her destination.

Conduit Network

This map shows all the currently active conduit tracks in and around the Inside Sea. When fully developed, it will include information on traffic density, travel times, cost, station amenities, and suggested routes.

Experience Travel

A full-color map depicting terrain and cities marks experience destinations on each island. I am considering further dividing this map by experience type.

Read the Document

Cluster Islands Map Proposal

The Cluster Islands

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Conduit System

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Ocean and Terrain

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Attached above: the three sample maps with some of the information points I have in mind. I drew these myself, but would seek out professional artists for the final versions. Hand-created maps, even if they are image-duplicated, will satisfy all but the strictest Tactilists.

Type

Map, Geopolitical

Authors

• Elan Straibala