Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Söderström (1996), in analysing the history of cartography in planning, has pointed
out that planning has come to mean 'what can be expressed in graphic terms', thus
concentrating on objects, and what is 'visible'. This strikes a chord in relation to
both the types of structural distortion or structural legitimisation that Forester
(1989) has set out in his bounded rationality framework (Figure 2.1) but also with
regard to different conceptions of space, which will be discussed in Chapter 3.
Furthermore, in this context Lussault (1994) has pointed out that the standardisa-
tion of zoning maps in planning leads to a perception of these as being reliable,
neutral and objective, thus 'scientific' and trustworthy. This is reminiscent of the
discussions on rational planning theory, and the traditional understanding of carto-
graphic science, and illustrates that the epistemological understanding of an
'objective' and 'realistic' representation of the territory continues to be deeply
embedded in planning theory and practice.
Söderström (1996, 2000), in analysing the use of cartographic representa-
tions in the planning process, has suggested two useful concepts. These are, first,
his differentiation into the two interlinked functions of 'internal' and 'external' efficacy
of representation, whereby the 'internal efficacy' relates to the cartographic produc-
tion process (the technical procedures), and the 'external efficacy' to the commu-
nicative potential of cartographic representations and their use in co-ordinating
action (the social and political uses to which cartographic illustrations are put).
Second, Söderström's model of the 'visual circuit' for the analysis of cartographic
representations in the planning process is a useful starting point for the structuring
of relevant factors that influence the form, style and use of cartographic representa-
tions in transnational planning processes.
