Maps Are Territories: Science in an Atlas

by David Turnbull, Yolgnu Community at Yirrkala

"The map is not the territory" is a cartographic truism. It means that unless the map is drawn on a mile-to-mile scale and has the same physical characteristics as the territory itself, it cannot be perfectly accurate. But as David Turnbull demonstrates, the map is a metaphor not only for the territory it represents but for the culture that created it. As such, it takes on the meaning of the territory and its importance in that culture.

In this ingenious book, Turnbull challenges common assumptions about the nature of cartography. In each of ten "exhibits" he addresses a seemingly basic concept—that a map is be factually accurate, for example, or that its symbols refer to concrete elements of the landscape—and then illustrates its complexities with maps from Western, Asian, and native cultures, from prehistoric to modern times, accompanied by quotations and historical background. The "exhibits" show how different cultures express their relation to the land, and how those differences ultimately define not only territory but also domination—religious, ideological, cultural, and political.

An ideal introduction to the concepts of cartography, this book teaches not only how to read maps, but how to read them between the lines.

Genres: Geography, Science, Cartography, Maps

66 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 1994

About the author

David Turnbull is a member of the Clockhouse London group of genre writers. He writes mainly short fiction and has had numerous short stories published in magazines and anthologies. His stories have previously been featured at Liars League London events and read at other live events such as Solstice Shorts and Virtual Futures. His near future dystopian novella, HUSks, is currently on release.

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to critical cartography. Turnbull provides many examples to illustrate his argument: "A Territory is not a Map, but a Map is a Territory."

[Amanda Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book, but explaining early maps, how the Australian Aboriginals use pictures as a map and comparing street view and topographical maps

[Rab9975 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct and direct. I have read dozens of books about maps; but this book connected the idea of the map as a cultural object to other forms of cultural communication.

I have read the 'Songlines' in the past; and struggled with the land-person-culture connection that the Australian Aboriginal culture. 'Maps are Territories' helped me puzzle together this connection and re-enforced what I had suspected.

A must read for those seeking to understand maps, culture and meaning.

[Karen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like a textbook, although it was originally created to be used as one. This brilliant and lavishly illustrated little book is an extended essay on maps and mapping--how & why we create them, variously, throughout time and space, and how and why they mean, or re-present, our spaces, places, ideas, and values. I have used this book or selections from it for Cultural Geography classes for many years.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful history and resource.
Very interesting.
Material for curious minds and anyone who likes maps.