Inclusive Cartographic Design: Overcoming Ocular-Centric Cartographies
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Lobben, A.; 2Megen, B.; 3Perdue, N.
1UNIVERSITY OF OREGON Email: lobben@uoregon.edu
2UNIVERSITY OF OREGON Email: megen@uoregon.edu
3UNIVERSITY OF OREGON Email: perdue@uoregon.edu
Abstract
Based on the common belief that maps are products that are designed for human use, this paper advocates for the inclusion or at least the discussion of principles of Universal Design and Design for All in the map production process. The paper identifies three key constructs within cartographic communication models: the cartographer, the map, and the map user. A brief discussion of the development and principles of both Universal Design (in the United States) and Design for All (in the European Union) is provided. The underlying principles of those movements is then applied to the deconstructed elements of the generalized cartographic communication models. This paper does not offer explicit design guidelines for achieving inclusiveness in cartography. Rather, it acknowledges that including, exploring, and achieving inclusive design will be challenging. But, as a communication discipline with 2,000 years of history, we are well poised to embrace this challenge.
Keywords
Inclusive Cartography ; Map User; Diversity