Imagine a world atlas charting health food stores, recycling centers, farmers' markets, museums, wilderness, holistic medical clinics, schools, parks, wheelchair accessible sites, etc. This global guide to green and enlightened living is just a mouse click away thanks to the non-profit global Green Map System www.greenmap.org.

The power of a good map is that it can alter our perception of the world, and in just ten years, an international band of mapmakers collaborating on the Green Map System have charted nearly 300 of the world's cities, towns, villages and bioregions in more than 40 countries. Fun, informative and user-friendly resources for children, students, locals and especially tourists, Green Maps support the human family's efforts to live sustainably and enjoy nature while helping spread the word about eco-mapping to new locations.

"Green Maps illuminate the interconnections between society, nature and the built environment, helping residents get involved and make smarter lifestyle choices while also guiding visitors to successes they can replicate back home," says Wendy E. Brawer, Founding Director of Green Map System.

It's also true that Green Maps are fantastically useful, continually updated guides for tourists, students, vegetarians, seniors, mothers or others seeking green info. For example, let's say you're planning a vacation to London and want to know where you can find green leisure spots, outdoor fairs or retailers of eco-sustainable goods. Just click on www.london21.org and download the info. Or, those who are considering visiting or moving to a certain area may study a detailed picture via Green Map Systems. Whether you are researching what kind of green living entertainment and resources are available in Beijing, Boston or Berlin, Green Map gives you what you need to know in mere seconds. It's also worth noting that because Green Maps are constantly updated, they are likely to be far more current than any travel book in print.

All maps are easily accessed on www.greenmap.org as they are organized under country headings. On average, about 40 new Green Maps are added each year, and the site contains listings of Green Map projects that are under construction. As you read this article, men, women and children on every continent are designing and building Green Maps of their cities, towns, villages or wilderness areas. Indeed, anyone with imagination, computer skills and patience can adapt the Green Map "inspiration engine" and use it to impart knowledge and ecological awareness in their community. Supportive regional and national Green Map Hubs are in place all over the world, ensuring that the atlas will continue to grow.

Based in New York, the Green Map System grew organically out of the Green Apple Map of New York City, which was created by Wendy Brawer and Modern World Design and published in 1992. The map generated such enthusiastic response that New Yorkers and others who used the Green Apple Map contacted Brawer about replicating the project in other communities. In time, Brawer conceptualized a systematic, collaborative approach to mapmaking that would benefit residents and visitors around the world.

Brawer and her network of mapmakers created a globally designed, shared set of icons to symbolize green sites and standardize the visual language. In 1995, the Green Map concept went online with the help of the 02 Global Network, an international eco-designers' group. Since then, the worldwide web of Green Mapsters has utilized email, a listserve, and Green Maps's online presence to grow. The icons and adaptable Mapmaker's tools continue to evolve in an "open source" fashion, while collaborators tutor one another, share knowledge and help beginners (such as students, environmental groups and community associations) generate their own projects.

With a Board of Directors comprised of digital media experts, environmental researchers, educators and ecologically responsible business people, Green Map Systems are committed to the idea that by charting our earth, we connect to each other, protect our natural spaces and encourage sustainable lifestyles. Send your feedback or ask questions by contacting Green Map via email: info@greenmap.org. To communicate by snail mail, Green Map System, P.O. Box 249, New York, NY 10022, USA. Telephone is: (212) 674-1631.