you got map'd

November 25, 2007 1:17 PM

What are the best essays, books, or scholarly articles regarding the social role of maps? Both pre- and post- web 2.0, google earth mash ups, and the like. I'm familiar with the Situationalist critique, but wonder where else to begin reading.

Bonus: Current mapping projects which seem particularly relevant with regard to socialization, cultural production, etc.

posted by pinto to Society & Culture (5 answers total)

This blog is great, maybe not exactly what you are looking for, but it may point you in good directions.
posted by ClanvidHorse at 1:34 PM on November 25, 2007

Possibly grist if you haven't already: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/HPS/Baudrillard/Baudrillard_Simulacra.html
posted by rhizome at 1:41 PM on November 25, 2007

Start with the work of Mark Monmonmier, an historian who has written quite a bit on this subject, especially his book How to Lie with Maps.

You might also be interested in the work of so-called "postmodern geographers" like David Harvey, Derek Gregory and Edward Soja.
posted by googly at 1:49 PM on November 25, 2007

The Field Museum in Chicago has a big exhibit on maps right now.

Maps: Finding Our Place in the World
posted by SuperSquirrel at 1:59 PM on November 25, 2007

This american life has a great episode on mapping.

http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=110

you can stream the whole thing.
posted by outsider at 10:25 PM on November 25, 2007