Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
certain direction, but that they may also give voice to disadvantaged parts of
society and the territory. The criteria to assess the use of cartographic representa-
tions in planning processes with regard to the distortion and exercise of power in
communication build on Forester's (1989) bounded rationality framework.
Forester's framework has previously been mainly applied to the analysis of 'written
language'. However, based on Harley's (1989) and Pickles's (1992) work, which
suggests treating 'maps' as expanded concepts of text, the framework was con-
sidered useful to structure the analysis of distortive factors in communication
through cartographic representations (see Box 5.1).
Box 5.1
Criteria for the analysis of power and distortion in communication through cartographic
representations in transnational spatial policy processes
U S E
Power and distortion through cartographic representations in strategic spatial
planning
Socially
ad hoc
/inevitable distortion
for instance caused by:
•
Cognitive limits
•
Incomplete information
•
Ambiguous definition of a problem
•
Individual differences in perception
•
Emotional factors
•
Mistakes in map design
Structural/inevitable distortions
for instance caused by:
•
Legitimate division of labour
•
Transmission/context loss across organisational boundaries
Socially
ad hoc
/unnecessary distortions
for instance caused by:
•
Interpersonal manipulation
•
Interpersonal deception
•
Interpersonal bargaining behaviour/bluffing
Structural/socially unnecessary distortions
for instance in order to:
•
Help to maintain power relations
•
Keep public attention away from certain issues
Source: based on Forester (1989).
