6 replies to this topic

[benbakelaar]

"If
anyone is into the more academic side of maps, I'm currently
considering writing a paper that ""deconstructs"" biological maps for a
writing class I'm taking, thanks to the poster who posted the link to
visualcomplexity the other day!

Info on discourse analysis: [url="http://"http://www.ischool.utexas.edu/%7Epalmquis/courses/discourse.htm"]http://www.ischool.u...s/discourse.htm[/url]

Biological maps:
[url="http://"http://www.visualcomplexity.com/vc/index.cfm?domain=Biology"]http://www.visualcom...?domain=Biology[/url]

Any
advice, sources, pointers on how to approach a discourse analysis of
maps? (otherwise known, I think, as deconstructing a map).

Since
my writing topic is Science, Medicine, And Society, I need to bring in
the social construction aspect, for example, what about these
biological maps is good/bad for society, possibilities of how different
cultures/societies use these maps, which system of thought/ideology do
these biological maps support, do these biological maps
support/encourage discrimination against genetically-disabled people in
terms of healthcare provision. Just some food for thought.

Would be happy to have this turn into a plain old discussion too, doesn't have to be about my paper! "

[frax]

If
I were you I would probably look at one or two specific examples, like
the genome for instance. Tufte has done some writing around that I
think, there is some stuff in the sparklines text. I am not sure I like
calling these 'maps' btw...

It might be of interest to compare physical maps ('real maps') with virtual spaces, but I am sure that has been done before.

Then
there are of course a lot of 'real biological maps' (with the location
of things in our environment in the physical space)...

[margaret]

also
check out David Turnbull's writings. I think they would be useful for
your particular study because he writes about representations of
scientific knowledge generally, differences between scientific and
Indigenous knowledges and representations, and maps as theories about
space.

[Matthew Hampton]

"I
think you also might want to take a look at Bruno Latour. While not
specific to cartography, this french theorist has had lots to say about
the social production of knowledge through science.

I remember an article by Nick Chrisman (UW) discussing the social production of knowledge via GIS, but that was years ago.

I
would be very interested in knowing about others who may have thoughts
on the topic of ""maps as visual epistemology."" I like thinking about
those things. "

[DaveB]

"You
might also be interested in the work by Tom Koch of the Univeristy of
British Columbia. He did a presentation at NACIS last October, ""300
Years of Medical Mapping"", and he has a book called The Cartographies of Disease ISBN: 1-58948-120-8

"

[JB Krygier]

"

Any 
advice, sources, pointers on how to approach a discourse analysis of 
maps? (otherwise known, I think, as deconstructing a map).

http://

The classic ""discourse analysis"" of maps is found in Denis Wood's Power of Maps
(1992), particularly his ""deconstruction"" of the North Carolina Highway map (and
other maps) in chapter five. Both the theory and the theory in application - so a
great guide to ...deconstructing maps.

Denis is nearing completion of a new book called ""The Natures of Maps"" which
examines how nature is constructed with maps, and in that book he is doing
exactly what you are. You may want to contact him (he does not do email [!?])
but is usually happy to chat on the phone; email me if you want his phone number).

John K.
"

[benbakelaar]

Thanks
all, I appreciate your suggestions. I'll post back in a few days and
let you know if I'm going ahead with this research topic (I have
limited time, end of semester is approaching, so I might have to stick
with something easier). JB, I may take you up on that offer as well,
thanks!