Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
posals and avoid the misunderstanding that these could be a representation of
'facts'. For instance, using sketch-like depictions, high levels of generalisation,
such as the 45° maps suggested by the French delegation in the ESDP process,
pale colours, or signs of 'un-finishing' on the 'plan image' will help to communicate
the message that it is 'work in progress' or just a sketch, but does not necessarily
offer certainty.
What is depicted on a 'policy' or any other map is only ever one among
countless alternatives. In an informal planning process which can stretch over a
long period of time this can easily lead to confusion, because participants have
possibly forgotten the origin of the illustration. It is therefore very important to keep
a log of the data used and how the final depiction has been prepared in order to
allow for a comprehensible 'mapping process' for all participants and thus help to
avoid misunderstandings. The Dutch approach to developing an integrated
plankaart
is an example of the 'chain of evidence' used to arrive at a certain
representation of spatial policy. The use of computer visualisation and 'virtual real-
ities', which allows a certain degree of user interaction and data manipulation,
might be another alternative to demonstrate a certain flexibility and stimulate dis-
cussion on what is represented.
With regard to the transnational planning process as such, it appears that if
cartographic representations are expected to play a role, they should be intro-
duced early in the process to help in structuring the discussion and setting the
agenda. Whenever cartographic representations are introduced into the process
after significant agreement has been reached on written policy, it seems to be very
difficult to broaden the discussion to consider visual components and the carto-
graphic representation of spatial policies. This is because in informal networks it is
much easier to reach agreement on more general 'bridging concepts', which often
do not have a clear spatial expression. In processes where cartographic
representations were used to frame the discussion and set the agenda from the
outset (such as the Second Benelux Structural Outline), it has been easier to reach
agreement on the appropriate depiction of spatial policy. Thus, cartographic
representations can play a much more powerful role if the planning process is
organised around them, and possibly many misunderstandings in a transnational
context could be avoided.
Furthermore, there needs to be more reflection in future on how 'policy maps'
are prepared in the process, and by whom. The ESDP experience has shown that
those member states taking the lead or being represented on the cartography
expert groups had significant power and influence over the 'mapping' outcomes
and the approaches chosen for the cartographic representation of both spatial
analysis as well as spatial policy. There are many aspects in the approach to
'mapping' in planning that remain unreflected, and the application of a certain
