The map, all maps. Methodological proposals for the study of cartographic image plurality and instability

Abstract

Considering that "map" is all "graphic representation that facilitates spatial knowledge of things, concepts, conditions, processes or events concerning the human world", the term map refers to many very different images, using different techniques and media, visual languages, and graphic conventions that have changed over time. This paper proposes two methodological categories to address the plurality of the cartographical image without giving up that broad and inclusive definition. The first is the notion of cartographic genre, to classify maps sharing thematic, stylistic, technical or compositional keys. The second is the notion of series, because the composition of a series creates interpretation keys and, consequently, the same map does not communicate the same thing in two different series. The potential and the limitations of these methodological proposals will be discussed with examples