When Archaeologists are mapping the past they are using maps provided by present states and governments, publishers or digital providers. We would like to point out the common practices and standards of archaeological mapmaking that have been established in different countries under different political, economic and infrastructural influences from the beginning of the second half of the 20th century until today. Based on the well evaluated beginnings of archaeological mapmaking and with the perspectives of Critical Cartography we want to discuss archaeological mapping and aerial archaeology as well as their scientific publishing from behind the Iron Curtain in eastern Europe, under dictatorships, in early national states, in occupied or divided countries. What sorts of traditions, styles, principles and routines of mapmaking can be identified?
Resting upon these investigations we want to question the changes caused by digital cartography (GIS). In the digital age it is possible to use different kinds of maps created by mappers jointly organized (e.g. OpenStreetMap). Do we in this way eliminate political influence on scientific mapping and introduce commercial influence to it? Do we overcome modern political and administrative borders? Do these infrastructural changes lead to changing practices and standards in maps, mapping and publishing or are there any persistent practices? Another matter of discussion is archaeological mapping using online platforms and tools. In what way could the availability of open access map data cause changes in mapping practices? What meanings do individual ad hoc-mappings have that can be disposed of after use? Could scientific or public swarm intelligence in the way of participatory mapping lead to new insights in archaeology using maps?
Our goal is the assessment of the different mapmaking practices and standards in order to follow the changing possibilities in archaeological mapping reflectively.
Deadline 13th February 2020