David Woodward, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and former Curator, The Hermon Dunlop Smith Center for the History of Cartography at the Newberry Library, passed away in August of 2004. It was David Woodward and Brian Harley who conceived, organized and launched the monumental History of Cartography project, an effort that Prof. Woodward directed solo after the death of Prof. Harley. The project has resulted in several volumes to date, published by the University of Chicago Press, and it is bringing the study of the history of cartography into the modern milieu of scholarship with breadth of coverage and a sense of the social context of mapping that sets it apart from any previous efforts in the field. Prof. Woodward left a strong and funded Project organization that will assure its continuance to completion.

Prof. Woodward was gifted artistically and technically and produced a detailed shaded relief map of Wisconsin and co-directed the production of the “Cultural Map of Wisconsin” in sheet format and showing the location of a wealth of briefly-described cultural features throughout the state. He had a flair for design and could effectively communicate sound map design ideas in the classroom and in publications. He wrote elegantly and clearly. He was a perceptive theoretician who could readily participate in discussions of wide-ranging ideas within the field.

Despite all of his talents, or perhaps because of them, he was always helpful and encouraging to others. He treated colleagues and students (his own and others) with dignity, seriousness, and good humour, encouraging them in their pursuits. As such he has had an influence that surpasses the usual indicators of numbers of students and publications, of which he had many.

For his wide-ranging talents and for his profound contributions to the field, including his direction of the monumental History of Cartography Project, the International Cartographic Association bestows Special Recognition on David Woodward.