National Geographic Maps

“A map is the greatest of all epic poems. Its lines and colors show the realization of great dreams.”

- Gilbert H. Grosvenor, National Geographic Magazine’s Founding Editor

Maps have been a celebrated component of National Geographic since the first issue of the magazine was published in 1888, followed by the founding of the Map Department in 1915. Since then nearly 500 folded magazine supplement maps, over 3,000 magazine page maps, dozens of world atlases, thousands of digital maps, and over 1,000 retail map titles in the outdoor, reference, and travel categories have been published.

National Geographic has produced the world’s most authoritative and beautiful travel, reference, and outdoor recreation maps to guide explorers and adventurers around the world—while investing a large portion of the proceeds to fund science, exploration, conservation, and education.

I am deeply honored to have spent almost a decade of my career contributing to this legacy.

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2021: Cartographer
Cameo on Disney Insider S1:E10 "NatGeo's Map Makers" on Disney+

2011: Geography Intern
Lobbying for the "Teaching Geography is Fundamental" Act on Capitol Hill

My Career Has Revolved Around NatGeo

In 2011, I graduated from undergrad and I moved to Washington, DC for a Geography Internship at National Geographic where I worked with National Geographic Live! (lectures and public programing) and the Giant Traveling Maps (oversized vinyl floor maps for introducing geography and map reading skills to grade school students).

While pursuing postgraduate studies, I was contracted by National Geographic Education in 2015 to reanalyze and convert geospatial data used for the National Geographic Magazine's State of the Amazon Basin Map for use on MapMaker Interactive.

In 2016, I was hired as a Cartographer for the National Geographic Maps team in Evergreen, Colorado where we focus on retail maps, particularly the Trails Illustrated outdoor recreation topographic map series. I have also collaborated with the National Geographic Books team on map plates for the Atlas of the World.

In 2022, I was promoted to Senior Cartographer and took on addition tasks such as editing map projects, assisting with map prepress tasks, steering and delegating project tasks, and managing revision processes with outside contractors.

Women@Disney Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) Making Moves Spotlight

National Geographic Partners (NGP) is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) and National Geographic Society (NGS) where NGP manages the for-profit divisions (e.g. maps, magazines, books, television) and NGS manages the non-profit divisions (e.g. explorers, education, research, grants).

I interned and contracted with NGS and then returned to NatGeo as a cartographer right after this joint venture kicked off in 2015 (initially with 21st Century Fox, then reacquired by TWDC in 2019).

During my time with NGP, I founded and led unofficial professional communities to support women in cartography across all of the map divisions at both NGP and NGS as well as to connect GIS professionals within TWDC, fostering collaboration and mentorship despite being spread amongst diverse teams across the country.

National Geographic acquired the Trails Illustrated brand in 1997 and has expanded the line of outdoor recreation maps to over 300 unique titles which are printed on waterproof, tear-resistant paper and available digitally on a variety of mapping apps, including Gaia GPS and Avenza Maps. Covering national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and premier outdoor destinations in the United States and Canada, these titles are the most popular, detailed, expertly researched, and up-to-date maps available. Setting the standard for accuracy, each map is crafted in conjunction with local land managers and undergoes rigorous review.

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Map Features

Lightweight, waterproof, and tear-resistant for durability
Clearly marked trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more
Detailed topography with contours and hill shading
Navigational aids—UTM grid, compass roses, and selected waypoints
Color-coded boundaries of state parks, national recreation areas, wilderness areas, marine sanctuaries, and wildlife refuges
Resupply locations, local contact information, and area history
Detailed trail and road networks
Key points of interest—scenic views, campgrounds, boat launches, etc.
Vital safety guidelines and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics

In addition to classic folded topographic maps, National Geographic also produces topographic map guides to navigate long distance trails and day hikes. These guides come in a unique booklet format that’s lightweight, durable and waterproof. Each page features a detailed topographic map centered on the trail, along with a trail profile showing the distance between shelters, camping areas, and trail access points and providing a step-by-step visual guide to hiking the trail.

I have worked with on so many of these maps as a cartographer and as an editor, but the ones pictured are a selection of some of my favorites!

Testimonials

"I have had the pleasure of working with Alison over the past couple of years, and it is with great enthusiasm that I recommend her as a dedicated, collaborative, and highly skilled cartographer. As a key member of the National Geographic cartography team, Alison proved to be an invaluable asset. Beyond her impressive cartography skills, Alison consistently demonstrated exceptional interpersonal abilities, fostering a spirit of collaboration and ensuring a positive, inclusive atmosphere within the team. She has a unique talent for connecting with colleagues, offering support, and encouraging open communication and mentorship. Her presence was a positive force, helping to strengthen team dynamics. Alison's commitment to supporting others extended far and wide. She was an active participant in The Women Connect Program, a peer mentorship initiative designed to build relationships and connections between women across Disney. In addition, she spearheaded a support and mentorship program for women in the cartography field at NatGeo. This involvement highlights her dedication to personal growth, empowerment, and fostering an inclusive work culture. Alison's contributions extend beyond her skilled map making abilities. She would be an incredible asset to any team, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for any future opportunities."

- Elisa Gibson, Creative Director, National Geographic Partners

"Aly is such a pleasure to work with. She is very enthusiastic and excels in creating a collaborative atmosphere that helps others become stronger mentors and mentees. She is quick to be of assistance to anyone. It goes with out saying that her cartography skills are excellent and she is always eager to learn new techniques and approaches. I do not hesitate to recommend her."

- Debbie Gibbons, Senior Manager, Cartography, National Geographic Partners

"Working with Aly at National Geographic over the past almost nine years has been a true joy. Beyond being a fantastic cartographer, I have been most impressed by her ability to connect disparate cartography and GIS colleagues across the company, fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration. She is a fierce advocate for both herself and her colleagues, and her initiative and leadership will serve her well in any role she takes on."

- Rosemary Wardley, Manager, Digital Cartography, National Geographic Partners

"Aly has been a great addition to the cartography team—she grasps new concepts quickly and always brings a high level of professionalism and accuracy to every project."

- Eric Janota, Project Manager, National Geographic Partners

"I have had the privilege of working with Aly at NatGeo Maps for the past nine years. Over this time, I have been struck by her passion and dedication to her work, both as a cartographer and as a team member. She is not afraid to ask for help in order to strengthen her skills as a cartographer and develop expertise. She cares about the people she works with and making the team environment as creative and productive as possible. I am so glad I had the chance to work closely with Aly."

- Chris Knoll, Senior Cartographic Editor, National Geographic Partners

"Aly's expertise in cartographic production, large-format publishing design, and product execution for the consumer market has been invaluable. I will particularly miss her drive and follow-through; she completed numerous projects with remarkable attention to detail. Aly's talents as a Geographer and Cartographer are commendable and have significantly impacted our projects. I feel privileged to have spent so many productive years collaborating with her—communicating effectively, brainstorming innovative ideas, researching thoroughly, designing meticulously, and creating new and revised map products. Her contributions have shaped our success, growth, and future."

- Jeremy Goldsmith, Senior Cartographer, National Geographic Partners

"I had the pleasure of working with Aly at National Geographic, where she excelled as a skilled cartographer creating beautiful and effective maps. She is organized, communicates ideas clearly, and approaches projects with persistence and confidence, ensuring top-quality outcomes. Her enthusiasm for cartography and dedication to networking make her a standout professional who cares deeply about her field and its growth."

- Rachael H. Carpenter, former Senior Cartographer, National Geographic Partners

"Working with Alison Ollivierre at National Geographic Maps for nearly 3 years, I found her technical cartography and relationship skills exceptional. Alison is highly skilled in all aspects of map production and possesses remarkable ability to collaborate effectively with team members. Her ability to manage multiple projects, strong attention to detail, and creative problem-solving skills made her a valuable asset to all map production projects she contributed to. Alison is the first person I recommend for any map project due to her GIS expertise and collaboration skills.."

- Dylan Molnar, former Cartographer, National Geographic Partners

"Alison served as an intern with National Geographic Live for four months [in 2011] and excelled in all areas. She created maps using GIS, staffed live events in Grosvenor Auditorium, and provided graphic design and data analysis functions. She eagerly accepted tasks and sought additional ways to support the team effort. She has a "can do" attitude, is creative, and brings a positive energy to a work environment."

- Daniel Beaupré, former Director of Education Partnerships, National Geographic Society

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