Over the past two decades, the expansion of digital spaces such as social media platforms has not only altered the dynamics of interpersonal communication but has also opened up new channels and possibilities for science communication. Online spaces have evolved into dynamic places for swift information dissemination, and revolutionized knowledge exchange amongscientists, organizations, media, and the public. This shift has also prompted a reevaluation of how geographic knowledge is created and shared in the digital age. This dissertation explored the sharing of geographic knowledge online, particularly through three different angles: the viral maps on social media, the effectiveness of maps in health communication on social media, and the engagement of geographic research across traditional academic channels and online spaces.

First, a replicable workflow for collecting map-related data from social media platforms is proposed. The feasibility of the workflow is tested with practical methodologies such as topic modeling and image analysis. Findings reveal valuable insights into the characteristics of online maps and provide insights for extending investigations into viral maps and other critical issues such as misinformation. Second, the study highlights the influential role of public figures and influencers in disseminating map-based health information. The study also found some issues and challenges, such as map sharing through screenshots and cartographical errors pose risks of misinterpretation. Those findings provide insights for enhancing the design and dissemination of accurate maps during public health emergencies, coupled with considerations for the educational role of cartographers for the public. Third, the research evaluates and examines the interconnectedness between the engagement of research articles in geography on alternative online platforms and the traditional academic recognition. It unveils the relatively low scholarly presence on online platforms and confirms the growing necessity for geography scholars toharness online research engagement. The study also offers strategic insights for scholars to navigate research topics resonating with academic and public interests.