How do we get there? Where do we go? Which
path do we take? What does the road look like? All these questions and more can
be answered using maps.
Generally speaking, maps are thought to be
a navigational tool. A diagram of an area of space to indicate location and
distance between places. However, maps are for the most part, somewhat
inaccurate as they are usually done with human perspectives and therefore are a
representation or a reflection of the map designers own personal experiences
and bias’s. Emphasis can be placed on certain areas or places by doing things
such as labeling them in greater detail or making them proportionally bigger
than they truly are. However, all maps serve a purpose, and sometimes these
inaccuracies are almost irrelevant. For example, some maps(charts), are used
specifically for navigation(Mercator map) via long distances via sea boat or
plane and as such, omit certain details in favour of others that serve the
purpose of the map. (Wood, 2006)
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| Places that have a Maccas...Ronald McDonald's map of the world Author unknown, Retrieved from http://landofmaps.tumblr.com/post/40364450543/countries-with-mcdonalds-oc-1427x628 |
Maps really then, are in the eye of the
beholder Hell, even Facebook could be considered a way of mapping someone’s personality, with friends, photos and likes all useful factors in determining who someone is and what they are interested in or care about or even where they've been.
For example, if you were to ask the
majority of my Facebook friends or myself to create a map of the world, you’d
likely find detail would center on Australia, and be most specific on Queensland,
at the expense of details on the rest of the world, particularly nations and
countries that aren’t talked about in the media. I know I wouldn’t be able to
name every country on the map, or even draw with any semblance of actual
accuracy. Sue me.
Reference list.
Kuttainen, V. (2015). BA1002: Our Space:
Networks, Narratives, and the Making of Place, Lecture 4: Maps. [PowerPoint
slides]. Retrieved fromhttps://learnjcu.jcu.edu.au/
Wood, D. et al. (2006). Seeing Through
Maps: Many Ways to See the World.Oxford, UK: New Internationalist Publications
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