Alan McConchie
@mappingmashups.net
Was @mappingmashups on Twitter. Now I’m all-in on Mastodon, so go follow me there: https://subdued.social/@alan
Just here to run the socials for @stamen.com and to nag you all to join Mastodon.
Advocate of the #BellinghamWA hashtag
Just here to run the socials for @stamen.com and to nag you all to join Mastodon.
Advocate of the #BellinghamWA hashtag
Good news for #ProportionalRepresentation:
"48% of adults say they would support a system where states are required to assign seats in the U.S. House in proportion to the number of votes won statewide, while 19% are opposed. 32% of respondents said 'don’t know'"
open.substack.com/pub/gelliott...
"48% of adults say they would support a system where states are required to assign seats in the U.S. House in proportion to the number of votes won statewide, while 19% are opposed. 32% of respondents said 'don’t know'"
open.substack.com/pub/gelliott...
New poll: Voters want Democrats to win in NJ, VA and in 2026, as they push back on Trump
Plus: Voters trust Democrats more than Republicans to handle the economy; a majority of voters say Trump is acting above the law; and 62% say the country is off on the wrong track
open.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:14 AM
Good news for #ProportionalRepresentation:
"48% of adults say they would support a system where states are required to assign seats in the U.S. House in proportion to the number of votes won statewide, while 19% are opposed. 32% of respondents said 'don’t know'"
open.substack.com/pub/gelliott...
"48% of adults say they would support a system where states are required to assign seats in the U.S. House in proportion to the number of votes won statewide, while 19% are opposed. 32% of respondents said 'don’t know'"
open.substack.com/pub/gelliott...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/03/s...
Gerrymandering researcher Moon Duchin: "I think taking a hard look at the design of electoral systems could get us out of this nuclear moment. One system I’m studying is proportional ranked choice voting, also known as the single transferable vote method."
Gerrymandering researcher Moon Duchin: "I think taking a hard look at the design of electoral systems could get us out of this nuclear moment. One system I’m studying is proportional ranked choice voting, also known as the single transferable vote method."
Moon Duchin on the ‘Mathematical Quagmire’ of Gerrymandering
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:12 PM
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/03/s...
Gerrymandering researcher Moon Duchin: "I think taking a hard look at the design of electoral systems could get us out of this nuclear moment. One system I’m studying is proportional ranked choice voting, also known as the single transferable vote method."
Gerrymandering researcher Moon Duchin: "I think taking a hard look at the design of electoral systems could get us out of this nuclear moment. One system I’m studying is proportional ranked choice voting, also known as the single transferable vote method."
Reposted by Alan McConchie
What do we map in the shadows?
Our iconic Toner map style, now in dark mode! Read about how we developed "Toner Dark" and "Toner Blacklite" on the blog now: stamen.com/what-we-map-....
Both styles are available from our friends at @stadiamaps@en.osm.town here: stadiamaps.com/explore-the-....
Our iconic Toner map style, now in dark mode! Read about how we developed "Toner Dark" and "Toner Blacklite" on the blog now: stamen.com/what-we-map-....
Both styles are available from our friends at @stadiamaps@en.osm.town here: stadiamaps.com/explore-the-....
October 31, 2025 at 4:33 PM
What do we map in the shadows?
Our iconic Toner map style, now in dark mode! Read about how we developed "Toner Dark" and "Toner Blacklite" on the blog now: stamen.com/what-we-map-....
Both styles are available from our friends at @stadiamaps@en.osm.town here: stadiamaps.com/explore-the-....
Our iconic Toner map style, now in dark mode! Read about how we developed "Toner Dark" and "Toner Blacklite" on the blog now: stamen.com/what-we-map-....
Both styles are available from our friends at @stadiamaps@en.osm.town here: stadiamaps.com/explore-the-....
Reposted by Alan McConchie
Our pretty new train is on its way to the east coast for more tests. In 2026, Amtrak Cascades will operate 8 new trains. The trains feature a Pacific Northwest-inspired design, comfy seats, big windows, and regional food and beverages.
October 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Our pretty new train is on its way to the east coast for more tests. In 2026, Amtrak Cascades will operate 8 new trains. The trains feature a Pacific Northwest-inspired design, comfy seats, big windows, and regional food and beverages.
Beautiful map of precipitation and tree canopy height around the #SalishSea, by Dave Taylor of Pathfinder Geospatial:
www.maps.com/the-soaked-c...
www.maps.com/the-soaked-c...
The Soaked Canopies Near the Salish Sea
The Pacific Northwest is known for its cool, wet climate. But this is no drab and dreary landscape.
www.maps.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Beautiful map of precipitation and tree canopy height around the #SalishSea, by Dave Taylor of Pathfinder Geospatial:
www.maps.com/the-soaked-c...
www.maps.com/the-soaked-c...
Reposted by Alan McConchie
Hello friends!
No, Maptime HQ is not "back", we are still on indefinite hiatus.
But! There are still many decentralized #maptime chapters that are active around the world, so we wanted to create a centralized MaptimeHQ account to *occasionally* repost that mappy goodness.
We miss you all! ❤️🌈
No, Maptime HQ is not "back", we are still on indefinite hiatus.
But! There are still many decentralized #maptime chapters that are active around the world, so we wanted to create a centralized MaptimeHQ account to *occasionally* repost that mappy goodness.
We miss you all! ❤️🌈
October 9, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Hello friends!
No, Maptime HQ is not "back", we are still on indefinite hiatus.
But! There are still many decentralized #maptime chapters that are active around the world, so we wanted to create a centralized MaptimeHQ account to *occasionally* repost that mappy goodness.
We miss you all! ❤️🌈
No, Maptime HQ is not "back", we are still on indefinite hiatus.
But! There are still many decentralized #maptime chapters that are active around the world, so we wanted to create a centralized MaptimeHQ account to *occasionally* repost that mappy goodness.
We miss you all! ❤️🌈
Reposted by Alan McConchie
Our politics is as dysfunctional as ever. Voters want change, but our elections leave tens of millions w/out real choices on their ballot or a voice in our democracy.
A new report from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences shows how #ProportionalRepresentation can change that.
Full report below🧵
A new report from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences shows how #ProportionalRepresentation can change that.
Full report below🧵
October 9, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Our politics is as dysfunctional as ever. Voters want change, but our elections leave tens of millions w/out real choices on their ballot or a voice in our democracy.
A new report from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences shows how #ProportionalRepresentation can change that.
Full report below🧵
A new report from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences shows how #ProportionalRepresentation can change that.
Full report below🧵
Reposted by Alan McConchie
Important alert for people who like working while a light white noise is playing in the background, there is a family of whales singing next to the Moss Landing Marine Lab hydrophone right now and you should listen! radio.garden/visit/moss-l...
Listen to live Moss Landing CA radio on Radio Garden
Listen to live Moss Landing CA radio on Radio Garden
radio.garden
October 9, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Important alert for people who like working while a light white noise is playing in the background, there is a family of whales singing next to the Moss Landing Marine Lab hydrophone right now and you should listen! radio.garden/visit/moss-l...
It was so much fun working on these fascinating brain maps for UCSF neuroscientists! Check it out:
How is a brain like a mountain? Read "Brain Cartography: Mapping a place that everyone knows, but (almost) no one has ever been" here: stamen.com/brain-cartog...
October 7, 2025 at 5:47 PM
It was so much fun working on these fascinating brain maps for UCSF neuroscientists! Check it out:
This looks awesome:
"Join us for the first ever Bellingham Subdued Saunter! A self-paced nearly 20 mile walk exploring Bellingham." givebutter.com/subduedsaunter
#BellinghamWA
"Join us for the first ever Bellingham Subdued Saunter! A self-paced nearly 20 mile walk exploring Bellingham." givebutter.com/subduedsaunter
#BellinghamWA
Subdued Saunter 2025
Bellingham's premier long-distance trekking event
givebutter.com
September 23, 2025 at 6:24 PM
This looks awesome:
"Join us for the first ever Bellingham Subdued Saunter! A self-paced nearly 20 mile walk exploring Bellingham." givebutter.com/subduedsaunter
#BellinghamWA
"Join us for the first ever Bellingham Subdued Saunter! A self-paced nearly 20 mile walk exploring Bellingham." givebutter.com/subduedsaunter
#BellinghamWA
I just added one of these to #OpenStreetMap. Need to get these local tree experts involved in mapping! #BellinghamWA
The 78-foot-tall dawn redwood on the grounds of the Whatcom County Courthouse represents a slice of Bellingham hidden in plain sight. Its species was also nearly extinct at one point.
A walking tour of Bellingham's stately tree species | Cascadia Daily News
Whatcom County Courthouse's multi-bole dawn redwood provides a perfect starting point
www.cascadiadaily.com
September 23, 2025 at 6:23 PM
I just added one of these to #OpenStreetMap. Need to get these local tree experts involved in mapping! #BellinghamWA
Commentary from 25 county auditors in #WashingtonState: "Vote-at-home is the law in Washington — and it works"
washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/09/16/v...
#Elections #VoteByMail #uspol #USPolitics
washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/09/16/v...
#Elections #VoteByMail #uspol #USPolitics
Vote-at-home is the law in Washington — and it works • Washington State Standard
COMMENTARY | The U.S. Constitution grants states the authority to conduct federal elections, and Congress sets certain minimum standards. Here in Washington, our Legislature has determined that vote-a...
washingtonstatestandard.com
September 17, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Commentary from 25 county auditors in #WashingtonState: "Vote-at-home is the law in Washington — and it works"
washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/09/16/v...
#Elections #VoteByMail #uspol #USPolitics
washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/09/16/v...
#Elections #VoteByMail #uspol #USPolitics
Happy National Voter Registration Day to those who celebrate
It’s #NationalVoterRegistrationDay! If you recently moved, changed your name, became a citizen, or haven't already registered to vote, today is a GREAT day to get #VoteReady.
Register to vote/check your #VoterRegistration status at bit.ly/2025nvrdreg
Register to vote/check your #VoterRegistration status at bit.ly/2025nvrdreg
September 16, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Happy National Voter Registration Day to those who celebrate
Reposted by Alan McConchie
gerrymandering in pre-warp cultures
September 11, 2025 at 8:13 PM
gerrymandering in pre-warp cultures
Reposted by Alan McConchie
September 11, 2025 at 8:30 PM
This is a big deal! #RankedChoiceVoting & #ProportionalRepresentation are in the top 5 issues that local voters care about. Voters are fed up with dysfunctional government, and they know electoral reform can fix our democracy. Now will our local elected officials pay attention to what voters want?
To those of you who voted, thank you for participating in CDN's Citizens Agenda process. The "winning" questions will be submitted to candidates and their answers will be published in our Voter Guide on Oct. 17.
Citizens Agenda results: Housing, Bellingham waterfront, ranked-choice voting top concerns | Cascadia Daily News
These 5 questions will guide the agenda for CDN's General Election coverage
www.cascadiadaily.com
September 11, 2025 at 6:11 PM
This is a big deal! #RankedChoiceVoting & #ProportionalRepresentation are in the top 5 issues that local voters care about. Voters are fed up with dysfunctional government, and they know electoral reform can fix our democracy. Now will our local elected officials pay attention to what voters want?
Reposted by Alan McConchie
One of my customers had so much fun visiting the Map Center that he came back a few days later with a camera. He made this magnificent short documentary about my store, about me, and why I bother to do any of it at all.
It's really lovely and I hope you watch it!
youtu.be/Dj9uKpk3Idk?...
It's really lovely and I hope you watch it!
youtu.be/Dj9uKpk3Idk?...
The Map Center
YouTube video by You Are Here
youtu.be
August 25, 2025 at 12:21 PM
One of my customers had so much fun visiting the Map Center that he came back a few days later with a camera. He made this magnificent short documentary about my store, about me, and why I bother to do any of it at all.
It's really lovely and I hope you watch it!
youtu.be/Dj9uKpk3Idk?...
It's really lovely and I hope you watch it!
youtu.be/Dj9uKpk3Idk?...
We managed to go 7 years since the last proposal to partition #California. I just updated #Wikipedia with a map of the latest Republican plan to split off inland California from the coastal counties. (And no, it's never going to happen).
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partiti...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partiti...
August 28, 2025 at 5:52 PM
We managed to go 7 years since the last proposal to partition #California. I just updated #Wikipedia with a map of the latest Republican plan to split off inland California from the coastal counties. (And no, it's never going to happen).
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partiti...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partiti...
Map projections in the news! And we cartographers are all relieved that it's not the Gall-Peters Projection again.
Via Reuters: "African Union urges adoption of world map showing continent's true size"
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
#CorrectTheMap
Via Reuters: "African Union urges adoption of world map showing continent's true size"
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
#CorrectTheMap
African Union urges adoption of world map showing continent's true size
The African Union has backed a campaign to end the use by governments and international organisations of the 16th-century Mercator map of the world in favour of one that more accurately displays Africa's size.
www.reuters.com
August 21, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Map projections in the news! And we cartographers are all relieved that it's not the Gall-Peters Projection again.
Via Reuters: "African Union urges adoption of world map showing continent's true size"
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
#CorrectTheMap
Via Reuters: "African Union urges adoption of world map showing continent's true size"
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
#CorrectTheMap
Hey #WhatcomCounty: fill out the poll for Cascadia Daily's "Citizens Agenda" and shape the questions they will ask of local candidates. In particular, I encourage you to pick #15 about Ranked Choice Voting and #36 about Gerrymandering, but there are a lot of other good topics too. #BellinghamWA
The 2025 election is mostly hyperlocal. It's all about nuts and bolts: county and city councils, school boards, hospital districts and local initiatives. You can participate in CDN's Citizens Agenda process by voting for the top-five questions you want us to ask candidates this election cycle.
Citizens Agenda | Cascadia Daily News
What is Citizens Agenda and how does it work? Cascadia Daily News will put election issues in the hands of readers every year, beginning with the primary se ...
www.cascadiadaily.com
August 18, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Hey #WhatcomCounty: fill out the poll for Cascadia Daily's "Citizens Agenda" and shape the questions they will ask of local candidates. In particular, I encourage you to pick #15 about Ranked Choice Voting and #36 about Gerrymandering, but there are a lot of other good topics too. #BellinghamWA
We finally wrote part 3 of Stamen's history of #OpenStreetMap (only four years after we wrote parts 1 and 2, lol). Enjoy a long read including many Stamen maps from over the past two decades, created by the amazing team of coworkers & alums I've had the pleasure of working with over the years.
This month #OpenStreetMap turns 21!
To mark the occasion, we dug into our archives to finish part 3 of Stamen's personal history of OSM, covering the years 2016 to the present. Check it out on our blog, including links to part 1 and 2 of the series:
stamen.com/part-3-our-b...
To mark the occasion, we dug into our archives to finish part 3 of Stamen's personal history of OSM, covering the years 2016 to the present. Check it out on our blog, including links to part 1 and 2 of the series:
stamen.com/part-3-our-b...
August 5, 2025 at 11:14 PM
We finally wrote part 3 of Stamen's history of #OpenStreetMap (only four years after we wrote parts 1 and 2, lol). Enjoy a long read including many Stamen maps from over the past two decades, created by the amazing team of coworkers & alums I've had the pleasure of working with over the years.
Very much enjoying the #BlenderMaps in this scrollytelling piece from Reuters about the potential sale of public lands: www.reuters.com/graphics/USA... #cartography #maps #dataviz
www.reuters.com
July 29, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Very much enjoying the #BlenderMaps in this scrollytelling piece from Reuters about the potential sale of public lands: www.reuters.com/graphics/USA... #cartography #maps #dataviz
Reposted by Alan McConchie
Professional project work making it's debut!! You can now check out an interactive *generalized* zoning & land use map for almost all of Washington State.
It has data up to the end of 2024. So recent municipal middle housing code updates are not captured.
Still, a strong tool to check out!
It has data up to the end of 2024. So recent municipal middle housing code updates are not captured.
Still, a strong tool to check out!
It turns out, there is! Introducing the Washington State Zoning Atlas, an interactive map and reference tool for zoning in nearly all 320 local government jurisdictions in Washington state.
www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-lau...
www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-lau...
July 24, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Professional project work making it's debut!! You can now check out an interactive *generalized* zoning & land use map for almost all of Washington State.
It has data up to the end of 2024. So recent municipal middle housing code updates are not captured.
Still, a strong tool to check out!
It has data up to the end of 2024. So recent municipal middle housing code updates are not captured.
Still, a strong tool to check out!
Reposted by Alan McConchie
Both parties are threatening to gerrymander their way to an advantage in Congress.
The Fair Representation Act would end gerrymandering wars with:
🔢 #RankedChoiceVoting
👫 Multi-member districts
✍️ New redistricting rules
Learn about the #FairRepAct ⬇️ fairvote.org/press/fair-r...
The Fair Representation Act would end gerrymandering wars with:
🔢 #RankedChoiceVoting
👫 Multi-member districts
✍️ New redistricting rules
Learn about the #FairRepAct ⬇️ fairvote.org/press/fair-r...
How to end the gerrymandering wars: FairVote celebrates reintroduction of the Fair Representation Act - FairVote
The Fair Representation Act would stop gerrymandering with ranked choice voting and multi-member districts, & make Congress work better.
fairvote.org
July 24, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Both parties are threatening to gerrymander their way to an advantage in Congress.
The Fair Representation Act would end gerrymandering wars with:
🔢 #RankedChoiceVoting
👫 Multi-member districts
✍️ New redistricting rules
Learn about the #FairRepAct ⬇️ fairvote.org/press/fair-r...
The Fair Representation Act would end gerrymandering wars with:
🔢 #RankedChoiceVoting
👫 Multi-member districts
✍️ New redistricting rules
Learn about the #FairRepAct ⬇️ fairvote.org/press/fair-r...
Reposted by Alan McConchie
Shoutout to @beyer.house.gov and @raskin.house.gov for reintroducing this important bill!
Learn more about #RankedChoiceVoting, and ask Congress to support the #FairRepAct ⬇️
fairvoteaction.quorum.us/campaign/Fai...
Learn more about #RankedChoiceVoting, and ask Congress to support the #FairRepAct ⬇️
fairvoteaction.quorum.us/campaign/Fai...
Take Action: Ask Congress to Support the Fair Representation Act!
Stop gerrymandering, give voters more choice, and make Congress work for us
fairvoteaction.quorum.us
July 23, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Shoutout to @beyer.house.gov and @raskin.house.gov for reintroducing this important bill!
Learn more about #RankedChoiceVoting, and ask Congress to support the #FairRepAct ⬇️
fairvoteaction.quorum.us/campaign/Fai...
Learn more about #RankedChoiceVoting, and ask Congress to support the #FairRepAct ⬇️
fairvoteaction.quorum.us/campaign/Fai...