Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
The ESPON programme (2000-2006) was set up to improve understanding
of European territorial development patterns and trends; to specify the implications
of the ESDP on particular transnational and national territories; to develop better
understanding of the spatial dimension of the Structural Funds and other Commun-
ity policies and to promote better co-ordination of decisions on territorial develop-
ment matters. The first projects funded by the ESPON initiative were concerned
with thematic studies on the ESDP policy options, but since 2003 policy impact
studies and cross-thematic projects have been commissioned. 'Mapping' is an
important aspect of the ESPON programme, and all projects are encouraged to
visualise relevant project outputs. The different objectives of the project priorities
reflect the understanding that mapping at European level will have to consider at
least two directions: to provide a detailed comparable spatial analysis base, and to
continue exploring the possibilities of scenario-building and 'geodesign' in Euro-
pean spatial planning.
CONCLUSIONS: ANALYSING CARTOGRAPHIC
REPRESENTATIONS FOR THE ESDP
Cartographic representations are highly sensitive instruments for the communica-
tion of policy because they are clearer than verbal expressions. Whereas vague
concepts in the text of planning policy documents can be subject to a multitude of
interpretations, cartographic representations of spatial policy clearly demand a
higher degree of consensus (Faludi, 2002a). This clarity of expression, however, is
also the strength of cartographic representations in transnational planning
processes. Besides supporting the communication across language barriers, they
also helped to frame the discussions and revealed different representatives' prior-
ities more clearly than might have been possible without maps. The French trend
scenarios, for example, have been instrumental in facilitating the exploration of dif-
ferent understandings of planning and the function of the ESDP among the differ-
ent planning traditions involved. The previous sections have investigated the
development of cartographic representations of spatial policy for the European ter-
ritory during the ESDP process. This section will concentrate on a discussion of
the graphic and linguistic structure of the 'maps' produced in the process, and the
main communicative distortions that were experienced in the development of policy
maps during the ESDP process. This review of the problems encountered with
spatial images in the process will help to clarify the potential role of these powerful
instruments in future transnational planning processes.
