Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
THE CONTEXT OF ELABORATION OF CARTOGRAPHIC
REPRESENTATIONS IN FORMAL AND INFORMAL PLANNING
PROCESSES
Within the context of elaboration of cartographic representations in spatial plan-
ning, the conceptual framework builds on the categorisations of 'traditions' of
spatial planning as suggested in the
Compendium of Spatial Planning Systems
and Policies
(CEC, 1997; see Box 3.1), with a view to discussing the different
understandings of planning as these affect the form, style and use of cartographic
representations. However, there have been significant changes to most planning
systems in Europe over recent years (cf. PRP Planning and UWE, 2002), which
imply that they increasingly deviate from the types distinguished in the
Com-
pendium
. Furthermore, there has not been any particular attention to the role of
cartographic representations in the planning system in any of the categorisations of
planning systems reviewed in Chapter 3. In order to support the categorisation
provided by the
Compendium
, other factors that influence the style and use of car-
tographic illustrations in spatial planning have therefore been included in the frame-
work. These factors include what Healey (2006) has termed the 'spatial
consciousness' of a planning tradition, i.e. the extent to which concepts of place,
spatial organisation and territorial identity are embedded in policy cultures and
political assumptions. This spatial consciousness, it is argued, is in turn influenced
by whether a planning system is more flexible and discretionary or more regulatory
in its approach to planning and decision-making. Furthermore, the dominant profes-
sions in planning (as well as planning education) have been credited an important
role in shaping the style and content of cartographic representations in planning.
The underlying conceptions of space and the use of spatial concepts in plan-
ning are also very important for an analysis of the role of 'maps' in planning
processes, as these affect the understanding of planning in the different planning
traditions. While most planning systems now increasingly aim to respond to chal-
lenges that stem from the so-called new relational economy and geography,
Graham and Healey (1999) have pointed out that 'mapping' in planning has in the
majority of cases not caught up with these new developments and continues to
visualise spatial policies in a traditional, two-dimensional and static way. However,
there are examples, such as Brunet's
chorèmes
(Brunet, 1980, 1987), that show
how functional relationships can be visually represented (cf. Chapter 3).
THE PRODUCTION OF CARTOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATIONS IN
PLANNING: CARTOGRAPHIC ASPECTS OF FORM AND STYLE
The production or construction of cartographic representations is closely related to
the context of elaboration. Especially those aspects that relate to the function and
types of maps that are used at certain stages in the planning process are at least
