During this project we practice the rhetorical work of

mapping and what this work means for our understanding

and definition of writing.

people are never simply mappers, but rather mapping

is part of finding a solution to a wider
problem (Kitchin & Dodge 7).

The word building contains the double reality. It

means both the action of the verb BUILD and that
which is built'both verb and noun, both the action
and the result (Brand 2).

A good place to begin a discussion of maps is with our

assumptions about what maps are and how we
traditionally assess maps.

Which one of these maps is

more accurate than the
others?

Which one of these maps is more accurate than the

others?

Maps have long been seen as objective, neutral

products of science. Cartography is the means by which
the surface of the earth is represented as faithfully
as possible (Kitchin & Dodge 1).

But how else can we think about maps?

A more productive and sophisticated way of assessing

maps is to address them as arguments, as narratives.

There is only our making, sometimes by design,

sometimes not. None of us lives without a history;
each of us is a narrative. Were always standing some
place in our lives, and there is always a tale of how
we came to stand there, though few of us have marked
carefully the dimensions of the place where we are or
kept time with the tale of how we came to be
there (Corder 16).

Making maps then is inherently creativeit can be

nothing else; and maps emerge in process. (Kitchin &
Dodge 8).

Before we speak, we have lived; when we speak, we

must continually choose because our mouths will not
say two words simultaneously. Whether consciously or
not, we always station ourselves somewhere in our
narratives when we use language. This means that
invention always occurs (Corder 17).

Possible rhetorical assessments:

1. This map represents the
awarding of electoral
college votes in the 2004
presidential election
2. This map simplifies the
political landscape of the
United States
3. This map polarizes American
citizens on the basis of
statehood and region

Possible rhetorical assessments:

1. This map presents a countyby-county breakdown of the
2004 presidential election
2. This map presents less of a
state-based divide and more
or a rural/urban divide
3. This map creates the
political landscape in
terms of demographics

Possible rhetorical assessments:

1. This map presents a countyby-county breakdown of the
2012 presidential election;
2. It blends the colors to
represent the percentages of
votes cast in a county
3. It bases the relative
transparency of the color on
population density

Possible rhetorical assessments:

1. This map offers a more
statistically sophisticated
view of the 2012 election
2. While still highlighting
certain regional and
demographic differences, it
potentially creates a much
more complex political
landscape

An even fuller assessment would include a discussion

of who made the maps and for what audiences. In
addition, this entire exercise (assessing all three
maps) does not explain voters motives

From our examples we would argue that maps emerge in

process through a diverse set of practices. (Kitchin
& Dodge 10).

We should address the rhetorical work and implications

of maps.

Maps produce in reproducing.

Maps select (because they must) what is or what must
be re-presented (and counted as important).
Maps have an author.
Maps embodied a purpose.
Maps produce effects.
Maps affect an audience (or audiences).

Individuals can do a lot with maps.

Create unique and productive perspectives.

Find a new way of approaching an old issue.
Redistribute power relationships.
Spot potential problems, such as inequities.