Shaded relief map of Africa, Asia, and Australia, symbolizing Staridas Geography’s global perspective and expertise in geographic visualization

Staridas Geography

I design and build maps that bring data, design and place together. From paper to interactive web maps, every project aims at the same goal: #MakingMapsPretty while keeping geography clear, accurate and meaningful.

Welcome

Welcome to my Personal Website!

Hi! I am Spyridon Staridas. Friends call me Spiros! I am a passionate Cartographer and a Map Artist with over 15 years of experience in Cartography, Map Design, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Spatial Analysis, and Data Visualization.

I love combining advanced GIS tools with Graphic Design to create maps that are not only accurate, but also elegant and visually engaging. What excites me most is transforming complex geospatial data into innovative narratives that people can understand and connect with. I’m also skilled in developing interactive web map applications using modern front-end and WebGIS technologies, helping bring data to life in dynamic ways.

Selected Cartography from my Portfolio

Every project begins with a question: how can geography be understood and how can it look good doing it? My portfolio brings together maps created for public agencies, cultural foundations, research teams, and private clients. Some are analytical, built from dense datasets and GIS layers. Others are visual, designed to communicate stories, identity, or place. All share the same approach: structure, precision, and design that respects the landscape and the heritage it represents.

Explore my Portfolio to see more maps, the stories they tell and the craft behind each one.

Portfolio

Folded Paper Map Series

The folded paper map grew out of a simple wish: to hold a map again. Not a screen or an app, but paper that opens wide, creases, and carries the marks of use. Each edition is designed as both a field tool and an artwork: accurate enough for navigation, detailed enough for display. Printed on high-quality stock, my paper maps bring geography back to the hands, one fold at a time.

Featured Articles from my Blog

My personal Blog is where I write about my processes and the small details behind my maps. Workflow notes, design choices, data handling, projections, type, and the occasional rant about legends that make no sense. Sometimes it’s technical, sometimes reflective, always grounded in practice. If you’re a designer, a GIS analyst, or just someone who likes to see how maps get built, you’ll find a bit of everything here: experiments, updates, and lessons learned in the field of #MakingMapsPretty.

Visit my Blog to explore more stories, methods and thoughts from my mapping desk.

Blog

My Services

I create maps and spatial visualizations that are accurate, elegant, and engaging. My work spans the full spectrum of Cartography and GIS practice, from bespoke map design and cultural mapping to interactive web applications, data visualization, and training. Every project is crafted to transform geospatial data into meaningful narratives and practical solutions.

  • Cartography & Map Design

    Designing visually engaging, elegant and accurate maps for both print and digital platforms.

  • Thematic & Cultural Mapping

    Creating maps for heritage preservation, tourism, hiking trails, outdoor activities and cultural communication.

  • Custom Map Illustration

    Producing artistic, bespoke maps for branding, publishing, and creative projects.

  • StoryMaps & Narrative Mapping

    Crafting interactive stories that seamlessly blend maps, text and multimedia to communicate complex ideas and narratives.

  • Interactive Web Mapping & WebGIS

    Designing and building intuitive, user-centered web map applications that deliver engaging experiences tailored to users’ needs.

  • Spatial Data Visualization

    Delivering clear, intuitive visuals and data models from complex geospatial datasets for effective analysis and decision support.

  • Image Analysis

    Extracting valuable insights from satellite and aerial imagery and performing advanced GIS-based modeling and spatial data processing.

  • Training & Consulting

    Providing custom mentoring and workshops on Cartography principles, map design best practices and Geographical Information Systems tools, methods and workflows.

Clients & Collaborations

I’m grateful to have worked with many inspiring people, organizations, private companies and creative teams who value the craft of thoughtful map design. Each collaboration has been an opportunity to blend accuracy with aesthetics and turn cartography into something both useful and beautiful. Below is a selection of clients who have trusted me with their projects.