The Professional Geographer · 2006 · 217 citations · 28 references
Social SciencesGeographyHuman GeographyCartographyCultural GeographyIndigenous StudiesIndigenous GeographiesParticipatory MappingCommunity CartographyCommunity GeographyIndigenous CartographyIndigenous MappingSocial Construction Of MeaningSocial Knowledge ConstructionSocial Reality Construction
Community mapping is increasingly practiced, yet empirical research is limited, with most studies focusing on counter‑maps and indigenous maps while overlooking many locally produced maps and their authors' perspectives. The article argues that the mapping process is central to defining and understanding community mapping and identifies future research directions. The authors connect critical cartography literature to community‑mapping practitioners' goals via inclusion, transparency, and empowerment. The discussion reveals that community is socially constructed, that maps relate to power, that defining community mapping is difficult, and that figurative and literal boundaries constrain community cartography.
Abstract Despite the growing practice of community mapping, empirical research remains limited. Extant studies have focused primarily on "counter-maps" and indigenous maps, leaving many locally produced maps and their authors' perspectives unexplored. This article identifies the mapping process as critical to the definition and understanding of community mapping. It links critical cartography literature to goals of community-mapping practitioners through themes of inclusion, transparency, and empowerment. The discussion highlights the social construction and practice of "community," the relationship between maps and power, the definitional difficulties associated with community mapping, and the figurative and literal boundaries that constrain community cartography. Finally, it points to areas for further research and exploration.
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