Maps that Matter

Wednesday, 3 September, 2008

Martin Dodge and Chris Perkins had a really good PPT running in the foyer of the RGS-IBG last week (related to the “Maps as Method” session) called “Maps that Matter.” Have a look at their blog which discusses a really interesting lists of “maps” that have played a vital role in geographical thinking. Note that this is not a list about “good” maps and that they use the following criteria:

  • significant impact on geographical knowledge: advanced geographical theory or practice
  • abstract visualisation with core spatial element (could be conceptual or data driven), including maps, charts, diagrams, graphs. (Generally excludes other visual media - paintings, photographs, etc.)
  • widely recognised amongst peers as a ‘classic’
  • produced in last 120 or so years (taking 1887 appointment of Mackinder at Oxford as start of academic geography discipline)

I’m sure that there will be more added to the list (my bet being William Smith’s geological map of the UK).

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