The shifting personalities of map-making
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Field, K.
1ESRI Email: kfield@esri.com
Abstract
This presentation will explore some of the difficulties cartographers face in a world where the value of cartography is perhaps seen as largely irrelevant to many map-makers. The plethora of simply dreadful maps that are regurgitated daily across our social media palette evidence the lowering of standards set by a new wave of people who seem to eschew what has gone before. Old is new again yet modern examples show that many map-makers seem unaware or unwilling to dip into the vast repository of cartographic work to inform their own map-making. We’ve all heard and seen meme’s about the death of cartography but cartography is in rude health…sort of. Many new to map-making are reluctant to use the term and it’s not something that necessarily sparks the imagination in people looking for degrees and careers. There’s an issue with the word cartography. This is about people’s perceptions and misconceptions of what cartography is and what a cartographer does. The brain and skill drain is palpable in much of what we see in cartography. Academic programmes are largely gone or where they do exist they’re seen as too theoretical and not practical enough or too far buttonology focused to be considered ‘proper’. Maps are personalized and we default to ubiquitous offerings on our desktops or mobile devices…and consume transient maps about this whimsical topic or that fanciful theme daily. In exploring how to encourage people to value cartography, cartographers and map design, I use parallels in the debate on User Interface design (UI) and User Experience (UX). UX is poorly understood; people don’t really understand what it means and have little idea of the scope of work that a User Experience Designer might be capable of. One could argue that this is the problem that faces cartographers and cartography. I set out a framework for going beyond simply saying ‘I make maps’ to counter the stereotypes. We also need to help develop a better public image that helps people understand how the map on their mobile phone arrived there. It’s not magic. It’s cartography.
Keywords
cartographic thought; map design; map-making