Ebook: Mapping Different Geographies

This book is the outcome of the work of contributors who participated in the wo- shop “Mapping Different Geographies (MDG)” in February 2010, held in Puchberg am Schneeberg, Austria. This meeting brought together cartographers, artists and geoscientists who research and practice in applications that focus on enhancing o- to-one communication or develop and evaluate methodologies that provide inno- tive methods for sharing information. The main intention of the workshop was to investigate how ‘different’ geographies are being mapped and the possibilities for developing new theories and techniques for information design and transfer based on place or location. So as to communicate these concepts it was important to appreciate the many contrasting meanings of ‘mapping’ that were held by workshop participants. Also, the many (and varied) viewpoints of what different geographies are, were ela- rated upon and discussed. Therefore, as the focus on space and time was embedded within everyone’s felds of investigation, this was addressed during the workshop. This resulted in very engaging discourse, which, in some cases, exposed the restrictions that certain approaches need to consider. For participants, this proved to be most useful, as this allowed them to appreciate the limits and restrictions of their own approach to understanding and representing different geographies. As well, the workshop also was most helpful as a vehicle for demonstrating the common ground of interest held by the very diverse areas of endeavour that the workshop participants work within.

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To ‘everyday consumers’ of information who use contemporary communication devices the ‘not-real’ is experienced almost every time they turn on a television, watch a movie or access some information via the Web. They are instantly taken to another world, and they can explore another reality. Professional designers and cartographers use the not-real (representations that range from paper maps of fantasy to computer-generated virtual reality) to deliver information about real, imaginary or non-human / non-physical geographies. In many cases the map metaphor is employed to provide representations of imaginary or non-human / non-physical geographies and users can use existing map reading skills to interpret these representations of ‘different’ geographies. This book addresses the many areas where different geographies are being specified and then represented using the map metaphor. It provides examples of new theories being developed and practical mapping applications that are used to inform about or analyse the elements of these geographies.