Whether in the car, on the smartphone or on the smartwatch: maps are often present. However, it now appears that many people cannot properly decipher these orientation aids.
Especially in school education, there is an “explicit lack of the ability to deal with symbols and abstract things,” explains Karel Kriz, cartographer at the University of Vienna and speaker at the symposium “The Power of Maps”. According to the researcher, it does not matter whether these are analogue cards or digital media. The focus is always on how people interpret the information communicated to them – including in relation to power interests.
According to Kriz, there is in any case no objective map. On the contrary, those in power have always determined what cards communicate: ‘Whoever owned the card also had the power.’ This no longer only applies to military or political contexts such as the demarcation of borders. For example, market economy-oriented companies like Google could use “perceptual components” – such as visual highlights – to encourage users of their mapping apps to take certain routes.
Power and conflicts of interest
The research projects “TopoMap Hohe Tauern National Park” and “TopoMap Schneeberg Rax Semmering” led by Kriz are also intended to draw attention to power conflicts. In such areas, stakeholders such as tourism and conservation associations or communities with different ideas would determine what the content maps show. Whether for safety reasons or economic reasons. “There are many conflicts of interest, but they all serve as a basis for the communication of space.”
Maps are made according to scientific rules – but always as subjective abstractions of the cartographer and the customer. The two new large-scale high mountain maps show issues such as the retreat of glaciers. It would be a mistake to understand this as a fixed representation of reality as a user in the field. In such areas, incorrect interpretation of cartographic data ultimately leads to risky situations. A focus of the visual design for the projects was therefore to “execute optimal geocommunication”.
Maps want to be carefully examined
In turn, it is necessary for society as a whole “that we correctly translate and communicate complex spatial-temporal issues.” Kriz sees that there is more demand than just science and education. He also calls on map producers and the media to “be aware of this power” when choosing cartographic information.
The symposium should not only look at the scientific perspective. Experts from the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service, Municipal Department 49 (source protection for forest management) and the Semmering-Rax-Schneeberg Tourist Association were invited to a panel discussion.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
