The Routledge Handbook of Mapping and Cartography

The Routledge Handbookof Mapping and Cartography provides a ground-breaking and comprehensive reference point for research and practice situated within an international and multi-disciplinary context. It offers critical reviews and appraisals of the current state of the art, science and technology of map-making and examine the development of conceptual, theoretical and practical approaches. The importance of cartography as a vehicle for communication in contemporary and future society forms an important and relevant theme running throughout the entire volume.

Organized into several inter-related sections, the proposed Handbook contains 42 contributions from leading scholars around the globe. Section one situates cartography in its broader political, cultural, and economic context, incorporating a critical review of the key concepts and paradigms that have shaped theory and practice. Section two provides a review of the history of cartography with a strong emphasis on developments in visualisation (cartographic language) and thematic uses (e.g. education, propaganda), and their affect on the understanding and performance of contemporary mapping. Section three critically reviews progress in cartographic and associated technologies, including geodesy, geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS), as far as they influence current cartographic practice. Section four addresses specific principles of cartographic design, such as colour and visual hierarchy, and their direct application within map production technology. Section five incorporates aspects of map perception and use, embracing relevant and current psychological research and examines various applications of cartography, including the news media, educational and national atlases, and novel approaches to cartography, for example sensory and disability mapping. The Handbook ends with a concluding Section which summarises the themes covered in the earlier chapters and suggests some possible future roles and applications for cartography.

The engaging international contributions reflect upon the art, science and technology of cartography and set this within a wider political, economic and cultural context. The Handbook, therefore, provides a wealth of interdisciplinary information and will appeal to students and practitioners interested or engaged in Cartography and GIS, Geography, and Cultural and Communication Studies. Contributions from leading practitioners and influential academics reflect the diversity in theoretical and practical approaches to map-making and map use and provide a strongly international focus which connects history, design, theory, and application.