Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
describe the combination of cartography and graphic design (CEC, 2000a: III).
According to their understanding, cartography follows a rational approach using
systematic methods in order to develop maps starting from GIS software tools.
Infography, on the other hand, may use cartography as an input, but also allows for
more creative methods to produce images based on symbolic languages. This view
represents the still widespread belief that maps are the unbiased and realistic
image of the territory by suggesting that 'cartography aims at providing an objec-
tive representation of reality (in the form of maps based on data), while infography
aims at giving meaningful representation of aims as interpreted by human imagina-
tion (in the form of images)' (CEC, 2000a: 95).
The SPESP working group on spatial images was made up of experts from
nine European countries: Belgium, France, Denmark, the UK, Germany, the Nether-
lands, Finland, Spain and Italy. This team quickly encountered problems with the
cartographic communication of policy objectives in a cross-national context, and
particularly with finding a balance between their understanding of a realistic
representation of present facts (i.e. 'cartography') and an artistic transformation of
spatial relationships to represent a desirable strategy for the future territory (i.e.
'infography'). Furthermore, they found that the policies in the ESDP on polycentric
spatial development and a new urban-rural relationship, parity of access to infra-
structure and knowledge, and wise management of the natural and cultural her-
itage (CSD, 1999) offer no or little spatial reference to places but rather express a
general set of policies and aims at the European level. The team recognised that
any attempt to produce images for policies without a spatial reference will always
imply the introduction of a high level of abstraction and subjectivity in their
representation.
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The results of the SPESP study on cartographic images have been criticised
by many as being not far-reaching enough, and for failing to offer a commonly
acceptable view on how to cartographically represent spatial policy options for the
EU territory. Despite these problems and constraints, the visualisations of ESDP
policy options provide interesting insights into different ways of looking at the Euro-
pean territory and representing spatial policy. The results of the project also give an
impression of the relevance of the professional background for the spatial
representation of policies. The examples produced in SPESP show a clear distinc-
tion between visualisations produced by professions with a 'scientific' or rational
approach (for example cartographers), and those with an 'artistic' or creative back-
ground (for example architects or urban designers). Furthermore, the project
picked up the idea of preparing 'icons', 'vignettes' or infographics, which was a
guiding feature during the ESDP process, i.e. an attempt to achieve a highly
abstract but nevertheless attractive and convincing depiction of spatial policy that
is appropriate for informal transnational planning processes.
