Slides for paper talk presented at AAG 2019 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC

1. "If I make the changes they asked for, it'll become
ugly and ineffective”:
Negotiations of design in participatory mapping
Amber J. Bosse
@mapbosse| she/her/hers
AAG 2019 | Washington DC
PhC | University of Kentucky

2. "If I make the changes they asked for, it'll become
ugly and ineffective”:
Negotiations of design in participatory mapping
Amber J. Bosse
AAG 2019 | Washington DC
PhC | University of Kentucky
@mapbosse| she/her/hers

3. participatory GIS
public participation GIS
participatory action mapping
community mapping
volunteer geographic information
citizen science
participatory mapping

4. participatory GIS
public participation GIS
participatory action mapping
community mapping
volunteer geographic information
citizen science
participatory mapping
Empowerment

5. participatory GIS
public participation GIS
participatory action mapping
community mapping
volunteer geographic information
citizen science
participatory mapping
Empowerment

12. product process

17. Map Design Evaluation for Mobile Display "How to effectively represent spatial information on handheld mobile devices is a key question, given the increasing use of personal digital
assistants (PDAs) and cell phones concurrent with the development of location-based services " (Dillemuth 2005). Map design aspects, route complexity, or social background? Factors
influencing user satisfaction with indoor navigation maps “In collaboration between geoinformation science and sociology, we develop and investigate cartographic methods for effective route
guidance in indoor environments " (Lorenz et al 2013). “In this paper the common sense basis of map design and production is related to the integration of these two distinct but
complementary ways of processing information...This balanced approach to cartographic education is less frustrating and potentially more effective for students than much contemporary
coursework with its strong rational-analytical emphasis”(Muhrcke 1982). "Cartographic communication models provide a framework for mapping decisions. The models help the cartographer
formulate ideas on map content, symbol choice, design and message. They also stress the importance of effectively transmitting the map message based on knowledge of the map recipient's
characteristics” (Andrews 1988). “Scientists visualize data for a range of purposes, from exploring unfamiliar data sets to communicating insights revealed by visual analyses. As the supply
of numerical environmental data has increased, so has the need for effective visual methods, especially for exploratory data analysis. Map animation is particularly attractive to earth system
scientists who typically study large spatio-temporal data sets. In addition to the "visual variables" of static maps, animated maps are composed of three basic design elements or "dynamic
variables"–scene duration, rate of change between scenes, and scene order (DiBiase et al 1992). Spacing and alignment rules for effective legend design (Li and Qin 2014)."Cartographers
have developed design principles in manual cartography for origin-destination flow maps to reduce overlaps and increase readability. These design principles are identified and documented
using a quantitative content analysis of 97 geographic origin-destination flow maps without branching or merging flows. The effectiveness of selected design principles is verified in a user
study with 215 participants.” (Jenny et al 2016). "The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the cartographic representation and functionality of urban-scale solar energy maps in
the United States. Using competitive analysis, we assess twelve interactive online maps to understand their: (1) design, (2) usage of visual variables and interaction operators, and (3) content,
purpose, and goals. Across these three types of assessment, we find both a wide variety as well as some consistent themes. Our results also show that some maps followed cartographic
conventions (Brewer 2016; Slocum et al. 2009) while others did not. Through our analysis we develop a set of best practices that can be used to improve the effectiveness and widen the
functionality of online solar energy maps. In particular, we make recommendations on how to develop future online, interactive renewable energy maps in a way that keeps the end user in mind
while communicating relevant information to a broader range of stakeholders involved in urban energy sustainability (homeowners, utility operators, city officials, and urban planners)" (Fish and
Calvert 2016). "Aesthetics plays a key role in cartographic design and is especially significant to the representation of place, whether by the state, the community, the crowd, or the artist.
While state topographic mapping today demonstrates a rich diversity of national styles, its evolution (particularly since the Enlightenment) has led to the establishment of a particular aesthetic
tradition, which has recently been challenged by counter-mapping initiatives and through map art. This paper explores the function of aesthetics in the cartographic representation of place. It
offers an analysis of the aesthetic value of topographic maps and suggests how an appropriate wielding of the aesthetic language of cartography can communicate a sense of place more
effectively" (Kent 2012). “The explosion of map use in the past few decades as part of everyday activities, accelerated through the digital production and dissemination of maps and the
availability of low-cost, location-aware devices, has made the job of cartographers and map display designers more challenging. Yet, how do these recent changes affect effective map
design?” (Griffin et al 2017). "Although constraints are necessary, we argue that the advent of digital technology, particularly in mobile mapping, warrants re-examination of the parameters
of these distortions. Here we introduce the concept of ‘the bounds of distortion’ as a device for considering the conceptual boundaries of map design, and as a foundation for further work to
investigate how these bounds may be redefined to better support map users with more effective graphical information. " (Godfrey and Mackaness 2017). “In order to produce the most
effective maps, it is important to understand how they read the maps and what can complicate their use. From the analysis of fixations and reading strategies, we determine (1) whether the
different categories of stakeholders involved in the evacuation have specific characteristics in their map reading and (2) what components of evacuation maps can obstruct the map reading"
(Palka, Serrhini and Andrieu 2018). Title Designing Effective Legends and Layouts with a Focus on Nigerian Topographic Maps (Kkinyemi, Kibora, Aborishade 2013). "These maps are
produced within a demanding set of conditions which often influences the effectiveness of their designs. A general model of map design factors is introduced here and used as a basis for
discussing specific constraints on journalistic maps" (Gilmartin 1985). Title Design Factors Influencing Map Effectiveness (Mersy 1990). "Responses to maps can be utilitarian, aesthetic
or both, and have been the subject of research for almost forty years. These scientific studies, which advance with psychological thinking, have made only limited contributions to the
understanding of practically effective design methods. Research into the whole cognitive process continues but focused enquiries into how readers react to map images during the early
stages of viewing may provide more immediately-applicable guidelines for the developers of graphic design-support programs for desktop mapping. The production of consistently legible and
effective images may be a short-term goal but a fuller appreciation of map design must include consideration of aesthetics” (Wood 1993). “This new concept for map design can lead to new
interaction possibilities and provide insights into how maps can be used more effectively.” (Mocnick and Fairbairn, 2017)

18. Map Design Evaluation for Mobile Display "How to effectively represent spatial information on handheld mobile devices is a key question, given the increasing use of personal digital
assistants (PDAs) and cell phones concurrent with the development of location-based services " (Dillemuth 2005). Map design aspects, route complexity, or social background? Factors
influencing user satisfaction with indoor navigation maps “In collaboration between geoinformation science and sociology, we develop and investigate cartographic methods for effective route
guidance in indoor environments " (Lorenz et al 2013). “In this paper the common sense basis of map design and production is related to the integration of these two distinct but
complementary ways of processing information...This balanced approach to cartographic education is less frustrating and potentially more effective for students than much contemporary
coursework with its strong rational-analytical emphasis”(Muhrcke 1982). "Cartographic communication models provide a framework for mapping decisions. The models help the cartographer
formulate ideas on map content, symbol choice, design and message. They also stress the importance of effectively transmitting the map message based on knowledge of the map recipient's
characteristics” (Andrews 1988). “Scientists visualize data for a range of purposes, from exploring unfamiliar data sets to communicating insights revealed by visual analyses. As the supply
of numerical environmental data has increased, so has the need for effective visual methods, especially for exploratory data analysis. Map animation is particularly attractive to earth system
scientists who typically study large spatio-temporal data sets. In addition to the "visual variables" of static maps, animated maps are composed of three basic design elements or "dynamic
variables"–scene duration, rate of change between scenes, and scene order (DiBiase et al 1992). Spacing and alignment rules for effective legend design (Li and Qin 2014)."Cartographers
have developed design principles in manual cartography for origin-destination flow maps to reduce overlaps and increase readability. These design principles are identified and documented
using a quantitative content analysis of 97 geographic origin-destination flow maps without branching or merging flows. The effectiveness of selected design principles is verified in a user
study with 215 participants.” (Jenny et al 2016). "The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the cartographic representation and functionality of urban-scale solar energy maps in
the United States. Using competitive analysis, we assess twelve interactive online maps to understand their: (1) design, (2) usage of visual variables and interaction operators, and (3) content,
purpose, and goals. Across these three types of assessment, we find both a wide variety as well as some consistent themes. Our results also show that some maps followed cartographic
conventions (Brewer 2016; Slocum et al. 2009) while others did not. Through our analysis we develop a set of best practices that can be used to improve the effectiveness and widen the
functionality of online solar energy maps. In particular, we make recommendations on how to develop future online, interactive renewable energy maps in a way that keeps the end user in mind
while communicating relevant information to a broader range of stakeholders involved in urban energy sustainability (homeowners, utility operators, city officials, and urban planners)" (Fish and
Calvert 2016). "Aesthetics plays a key role in cartographic design and is especially significant to the representation of place, whether by the state, the community, the crowd, or the artist.
While state topographic mapping today demonstrates a rich diversity of national styles, its evolution (particularly since the Enlightenment) has led to the establishment of a particular aesthetic
tradition, which has recently been challenged by counter-mapping initiatives and through map art. This paper explores the function of aesthetics in the cartographic representation of place. It
offers an analysis of the aesthetic value of topographic maps and suggests how an appropriate wielding of the aesthetic language of cartography can communicate a sense of place more
effectively" (Kent 2012). “The explosion of map use in the past few decades as part of everyday activities, accelerated through the digital production and dissemination of maps and the
availability of low-cost, location-aware devices, has made the job of cartographers and map display designers more challenging. Yet, how do these recent changes affect effective map
design?” (Griffin et al 2017). "Although constraints are necessary, we argue that the advent of digital technology, particularly in mobile mapping, warrants re-examination of the parameters
of these distortions. Here we introduce the concept of ‘the bounds of distortion’ as a device for considering the conceptual boundaries of map design, and as a foundation for further work to
investigate how these bounds may be redefined to better support map users with more effective graphical information. " (Godfrey and Mackaness 2017). “In order to produce the most
effective maps, it is important to understand how they read the maps and what can complicate their use. From the analysis of fixations and reading strategies, we determine (1) whether the
different categories of stakeholders involved in the evacuation have specific characteristics in their map reading and (2) what components of evacuation maps can obstruct the map reading"
(Palka, Serrhini and Andrieu 2018). Title Designing Effective Legends and Layouts with a Focus on Nigerian Topographic Maps (Kkinyemi, Kibora, Aborishade 2013). "These maps are
produced within a demanding set of conditions which often influences the effectiveness of their designs. A general model of map design factors is introduced here and used as a basis for
discussing specific constraints on journalistic maps" (Gilmartin 1985). Title Design Factors Influencing Map Effectiveness (Mersy 1990). "Responses to maps can be utilitarian, aesthetic
or both, and have been the subject of research for almost forty years. These scientific studies, which advance with psychological thinking, have made only limited contributions to the
understanding of practically effective design methods. Research into the whole cognitive process continues but focused enquiries into how readers react to map images during the early
stages of viewing may provide more immediately-applicable guidelines for the developers of graphic design-support programs for desktop mapping. The production of consistently legible and
effective images may be a short-term goal but a fuller appreciation of map design must include consideration of aesthetics” (Wood 1993). “This new concept for map design can lead to new
interaction possibilities and provide insights into how maps can be used more effectively.” (Mocnick and Fairbairn, 2017)

19. Map Design Evaluation for Mobile Display "How to effectively represent spatial information on handheld mobile devices is a key question, given the increasing use of personal digital
assistants (PDAs) and cell phones concurrent with the development of location-based services " (Dillemuth 2005). Map design aspects, route complexity, or social background? Factors
influencing user satisfaction with indoor navigation maps “In collaboration between geoinformation science and sociology, we develop and investigate cartographic methods for effective route
guidance in indoor environments " (Lorenz et al 2013). “In this paper the common sense basis of map design and production is related to the integration of these two distinct but
complementary ways of processing information...This balanced approach to cartographic education is less frustrating and potentially more effective for students than much contemporary
coursework with its strong rational-analytical emphasis”(Muhrcke 1982). "Cartographic communication models provide a framework for mapping decisions. The models help the cartographer
formulate ideas on map content, symbol choice, design and message. They also stress the importance of effectively transmitting the map message based on knowledge of the map recipient's
characteristics” (Andrews 1988). “Scientists visualize data for a range of purposes, from exploring unfamiliar data sets to communicating insights revealed by visual analyses. As the supply
of numerical environmental data has increased, so has the need for effective visual methods, especially for exploratory data analysis. Map animation is particularly attractive to earth system
scientists who typically study large spatio-temporal data sets. In addition to the "visual variables" of static maps, animated maps are composed of three basic design elements or "dynamic
variables"–scene duration, rate of change between scenes, and scene order (DiBiase et al 1992). Spacing and alignment rules for effective legend design (Li and Qin 2014)."Cartographers
have developed design principles in manual cartography for origin-destination flow maps to reduce overlaps and increase readability. These design principles are identified and documented
using a quantitative content analysis of 97 geographic origin-destination flow maps without branching or merging flows. The effectiveness of selected design principles is verified in a user
study with 215 participants.” (Jenny et al 2016). "The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the cartographic representation and functionality of urban-scale solar energy maps in
the United States. Using competitive analysis, we assess twelve interactive online maps to understand their: (1) design, (2) usage of visual variables and interaction operators, and (3) content,
purpose, and goals. Across these three types of assessment, we find both a wide variety as well as some consistent themes. Our results also show that some maps followed cartographic
conventions (Brewer 2016; Slocum et al. 2009) while others did not. Through our analysis we develop a set of best practices that can be used to improve the effectiveness and widen the
functionality of online solar energy maps. In particular, we make recommendations on how to develop future online, interactive renewable energy maps in a way that keeps the end user in mind
while communicating relevant information to a broader range of stakeholders involved in urban energy sustainability (homeowners, utility operators, city officials, and urban planners)" (Fish and
Calvert 2016). "Aesthetics plays a key role in cartographic design and is especially significant to the representation of place, whether by the state, the community, the crowd, or the artist.
While state topographic mapping today demonstrates a rich diversity of national styles, its evolution (particularly since the Enlightenment) has led to the establishment of a particular aesthetic
tradition, which has recently been challenged by counter-mapping initiatives and through map art. This paper explores the function of aesthetics in the cartographic representation of place. It
offers an analysis of the aesthetic value of topographic maps and suggests how an appropriate wielding of the aesthetic language of cartography can communicate a sense of place more
effectively" (Kent 2012). “The explosion of map use in the past few decades as part of everyday activities, accelerated through the digital production and dissemination of maps and the
availability of low-cost, location-aware devices, has made the job of cartographers and map display designers more challenging. Yet, how do these recent changes affect effective map
design?” (Griffin et al 2017). "Although constraints are necessary, we argue that the advent of digital technology, particularly in mobile mapping, warrants re-examination of the parameters
of these distortions. Here we introduce the concept of ‘the bounds of distortion’ as a device for considering the conceptual boundaries of map design, and as a foundation for further work to
investigate how these bounds may be redefined to better support map users with more effective graphical information. " (Godfrey and Mackaness 2017). “In order to produce the most
effective maps, it is important to understand how they read the maps and what can complicate their use. From the analysis of fixations and reading strategies, we determine (1) whether the
different categories of stakeholders involved in the evacuation have specific characteristics in their map reading and (2) what components of evacuation maps can obstruct the map reading"
(Palka, Serrhini and Andrieu 2018). Title Designing Effective Legends and Layouts with a Focus on Nigerian Topographic Maps (Kkinyemi, Kibora, Aborishade 2013). "These maps are
produced within a demanding set of conditions which often influences the effectiveness of their designs. A general model of map design factors is introduced here and used as a basis for
discussing specific constraints on journalistic maps" (Gilmartin 1985). Title Design Factors Influencing Map Effectiveness (Mersy 1990). "Responses to maps can be utilitarian, aesthetic
or both, and have been the subject of research for almost forty years. These scientific studies, which advance with psychological thinking, have made only limited contributions to the
understanding of practically effective design methods. Research into the whole cognitive process continues but focused enquiries into how readers react to map images during the early
stages of viewing may provide more immediately-applicable guidelines for the developers of graphic design-support programs for desktop mapping. The production of consistently legible and
effective images may be a short-term goal but a fuller appreciation of map design must include consideration of aesthetics” (Wood 1993). “This new concept for map design can lead to new
interaction possibilities and provide insights into how maps can be used more effectively.” (Mocnick and Fairbairn, 2017)

20. How is cartographic efficacy conceptualized and
achieved in the context of participatory mapping?

21. How is cartographic efficacy conceptualized and
achieved in the context of participatory mapping?
22 interviews
Participatory Mappers
-academic
-organizational leaders
Professional Cartographers
Critical Cartographers

22. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement

23. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement

24. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement

25. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement

26. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement

27. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “Oh okay, here's some person who knows how to code…mapping is just code. You
don't need any special experience to map ”

28. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “Oh okay, here's some person who knows how to code…mapping is just code. You
don't need any special experience to map ”
Of the participatory mapping leaders interviewed…
69% have very little prior training/experience in map production

29. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “Oh okay, here's some person who knows how to code…mapping is just code. You
don't need any special experience to map ”
Of the participatory mapping leaders interviewed…
69% have very little prior training/experience in map production
16% have no training at all

30. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “Oh okay, here's some person who knows how to code…mapping is just code. You
don't need any special experience to map ”
Of the participatory mapping leaders interviewed…
69% have very little prior training/experience in map production
16% have no training at all
Less than 1% have advanced training/experience

31. Professional
Cartographers
Novice

32. Professional
Cartographers
Participatory
Mapping
Leaders
Novice

33. Professional
Cartographers
Participatory
Mapping
Leaders
Novice

34. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement

35. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “…for maps to become effective, community members need to feel ownership of
that map…even if changing the symbology or color makes it wrong”

36. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “…for maps to become effective, community members need to feel ownership of
that map…even if changing the symbology or color makes it wrong”
95% express explicitly there is no right way to make a map

37. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “…for maps to become effective, community members need to feel ownership of
that map…even if changing the symbology or color makes it wrong”
95% express explicitly there is no right way to make a map
0.5% express there are rules that should be followed (correlates with advanced training)

38. Critical cartography
“…no ‘right way’ to produce maps, but their makers
need to be sensitive to the politics and context of
their making and use.” (Kitchin, Perkins Dodge 2009,11)

39. Critical cartography
“…no ‘right way’ to produce maps, but their makers
need to be sensitive to the politics and context of
their making and use.” (Kitchin, Perkins Dodge 2009,11)

40. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement

41. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “I myself had cartographic freedom over how that was displayed…”

42. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “I myself had cartographic freedom over how that was displayed…
And took those maps back to the community, showed them the maps…”

43. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “I myself had cartographic freedom over how that was displayed…
And took those maps back to the community, showed them the maps…
Originally it wasn’t even a check in about the design of the map…”

44. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “I myself had cartographic freedom over how that was displayed…
And took those maps back to the community, showed them the maps…
Originally it wasn’t even a check in about the design of the map…
If I make the changes they asked for it'll become ugly and ineffective…”

45. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “I myself had cartographic freedom over how that was displayed…
And took those maps back to the community, showed them the maps…
Originally it wasn’t even a check in about the design of the map…
If I make the changes they asked for it'll become ugly and ineffective…
I made those maps. Those are maps I don't show geographers.”

46. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “I myself had cartographic freedom over how that was displayed…
And took those maps back to the community, showed them the maps…
Originally it wasn’t even a check in about the design of the map…
If I make the changes they asked for it'll become ugly and ineffective…
I made those maps. Those are maps I don't show geographers.”
92% had “freedom” over design choices

47. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “I myself had cartographic freedom over how that was displayed…
And took those maps back to the community, showed them the maps…
Originally it wasn’t even a check in about the design of the map…
If I make the changes they asked for it'll become ugly and ineffective…
I made those maps. Those are maps I don't show geographers.”
92% had “freedom” over design choices
52% made space for feedback

48. Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement
Michael: “I myself had cartographic freedom over how that was displayed…
And took those maps back to the community, showed them the maps…
Originally it wasn’t even a check in about the design of the map…
If I make the changes they asked for it'll become ugly and ineffective…
I made those maps. Those are maps I don't show geographers.”
92% had “freedom” over design choices
52% made space for feedback
36% made space for design specific feedback

49. Professional
Cartographers
Participatory
Mapping
Leaders
Novice

50. Professional
Cartographers
Participatory
Mapping
Leaders
Novice
-Collaborators

51. Professional
Cartographers
Participatory
Mapping
Leaders
Novice
-Collaborators

52. Professional
Cartographers
Participatory
Mapping
Leaders
Novice
-Collaborators
no “right” way to make a map

53. Professional
Cartographers
Participatory
Mapping
Leaders
Novice
-Collaborators
no “right” way to make a map

54. Professional
Cartographers
Participatory
Mapping
Leaders
Novice
-Collaborators
no “right” way to make a map
Background Cartographic Efficacy Achievement

55. Professional
Cartographers
Participatory
Mapping
Leaders
Novice
-Collaborators
no “right” way to make a map
gatekeeping

56. “I made those maps. Those are maps I don't show geographers.”-Michael
gatekeeping

57. “I made those maps. Those are maps I don't show geographers.”-Michael

58. …anyone can make a map. This is a good development and yet also demands caution as it is
easy now for anyone to make a bad map due to ignorance of cartographic design, science, and
geographic data representation principles. (p. 18)

59. …anyone can make a map. This is a good development and yet also demands caution as it is
easy now for anyone to make a bad map due to ignorance of cartographic design, science, and
geographic data representation principles. (p. 18)

60. “…number of maps created today can be rather overwhelming, but their communicative quality is
not always convincing…just because one can more easily map today, this does not necessarily
mean one should.” (p. 10).

61. “…number of maps created today can be rather overwhelming, but their communicative quality is
not always convincing…just because one can more easily map today, this does not necessarily
mean one should.” (p. 10).

63. Without etiquette and discipline in any
pursuit, we suffer mayhem,
impoliteness, and bad behavior, and
there’s plenty of “bad maps” the
evidence this plight. (p. xi)

64. #cartofail

66. “I made those maps. Those are maps I don't show geographers.”-Michael
gatekeeping

67. “I made those maps. Those are maps I don't show geographers.”-Michael
gatekeeping
easy now for anyone to make a bad map due to ignorance of cartographic design, science, and geographic
data representation principles
“
…number of maps created today can be rather overwhelming, but their communicative quality is not
always convincing…just because one can more easily map today, this does not necessarily mean one
should.” (p. 10).
Without etiquette and discipline in any pursuit, we suffer mayhem, impoliteness, and bad
behavior, and there’s plenty of “bad maps” the evidence this plight.

68. Uncanny Valley

69. Sea Chart of Marshal Island
Rebbelib (local name) bamboo sticks and cowrie shells
Eastern Pacific Ring of Fire, John Nelson

71. Participatory Cartography

72. Participatory Cartography

74. Participatory Cartography
amber.j.bosse@uky.edu
mapbosse.com
@mapbosse
she/her
Thank you