When Bill Bunge mapped out the locations of car/pedestrian collisions in Detroit (Detroit Geographical Expedition, 1968) he and the map were advocating a way of thinking about what was happening to the black community in Detroit – and advocating for change.
All maps advocate.
To advocate means to “to speak or write in favor of; support or urge by argument; recommend publicly.” The word derives from the Latin advocate: “to call to one’s aid.”
What map does not advocate, or argue for something? We are always calling maps to our aid.
Three free books on maps and advocacy have been made available for download recently, and are worth a look.
•••••
Two New PDF Books [added June 6 2009]:
Good Practices in Participatory Mapping (2mb PDF here, 2009). Published by International Fund for Agricultural Development.
A review of participatory mapping methods.
This report will review existing knowledge related to participatory mapping and recent developments. Specifically:
- Section 1 will define the main features of participatory mapping;
- Section 2 will discuss key applications of participatory mapping;
- Section 3 will present specific tools used in participatory mapping, including their strengths and weaknesses;
- Section 4 will identify good practices and explore the significance of process in participatory mapping initiatives.
•••••
Toolbox & Manual: Mapping the Vulnerability of Communities (4.4mb PDF English version here, Portuguese version aqui, 2008). Published by Salzburg University Centre for Geoinformatics.
A overview of concepts and methods for community mapping, focused on vulnerability.
Within the research and project context it is aimed to provide the local communities with appropriate maps of their communities. The maps should enhance planning and decision making processes within the communities in regard to reduce local vulnerabilities and allow appropriate planning of disaster response measures. It is the first time in Mozambique that maps have been produced with such an accuracy (high resolution data) and for disaster risk management through the integration of participatory practices.
•••••
•••••
Visualizing Information for Advocacy: an Introduction to Information Design (7mb PDF here, January 2008). Published by Tactical Technology Collective.
Succinct, well-designed, with many good examples of maps and information graphics for advocacy.
…a manual aimed at helping NGOs and advocates strengthen their campaigns and projects through communicating vital information with greater impact. This project aims to raise awareness, introduce concepts, and promote good practice in information design – a powerful tool for advocacy, outreach, research, organization and education.
•••••
Maps for Advocacy: An Introduction to Geographic Mapping Techniques (3mb PDF here, September 2008). Published by Tactical Technology Collective.
A great overview of maps and advocacy with many examples and resources.
The booklet is an effective guide to using maps in advocacy. The mapping process for advocacy is explained vividly through case studies, descriptions of procedures and methods, a review of data sources as well as a glossary of mapping terminology. Scattered through the booklet are links to websites which afford a glance at a few prolific mapping efforts.
Field Guide for Humanitarian Mapping (3.2mb PDF here, March 2009). Published by MapAction.
A textbook for using maps and GIS in humanitarian work. The Guide provides detailed information on data collection (GPS) and the use of Google Earth and MapWindow (free mapping software).
The guide was written to meet the need for practical, step-by-step advice for aid workers who wish to use free and open-source resources to produce maps both at field and headquarters levels. The first edition contains an introduction to the topic of GIS, followed by chapters focused on the use of two recommended free software tools: Google Earth, and MapWindow. However much of the guidance is also relevant for users of other software.
•••••
Some related resources:
- the Tutor/Mentor Collection’s GIS and Mapping Resources Page.
- slides & text from Erik Hersman’s Activist Mapping presentation at Where 2.0.
- the Atlas of Radical Cartography.
- Counter-Cartographies Collective & 3C’s Blog.
- An Introduction to Critical Cartography (176k PDF) by Jeremy Crampton & John Krygier (2006)
- “Protest Maps” (292k PDF) by Denis Wood & John Krygier (2009).
- Mapping: A Critical Introduction to Cartography & GIS by Jeremy Crampton (2009).
John, and others: Just to say I admire and enjoy this blog enormously, and have taken the liberty of giving you a Splash award – explanation here: http://roberthanks.typepad.com/zoo_in_the_head/2009/04/covered-in-glory.html
Well thanks! It is always good to know folks are enjoying the blog. Alas, I don’t know who else to nominate for this award, as, to tell the truth, I don’t really follow that many other blogs. But I will think on it. Again, thanks!
A really illuminating post… far beyond common maps.
I reblogged it on our http:\\blog.spaziogis.it
Cheers!
[…] change. Among other tools and websites, PostGIS and MapServer get a mention. On a related subject, this blog post lists a few resources that teach about actually making maps for the purpose of advocacy. […]
[…] great resource to material related to counter mapping, advocacy mapping, community mapping and participatory mapping. My […]
[…] All maps advocate. […]
[…] This map is from Fitzgerald, but I snagged it from a post on Krygier’s blog […]
[…] All maps advocate. […]