How to Map with Context: A Collaborative Exploration for Mapmakers Ester Scheck, TU Wien Meghan Kelly, Syracuse University
Just as every map is based on the mapmaker’s conscious and unconscious decisions, every dataset – the basis of any map – is shaped by its production context. Understanding this context is essential for data analysis and visualization because data is never neutral or objective. So, what can it look like to research and reflect on the dataset production context as part of the map-making workflow? In this co-creation session, we will discuss and explore approaches to doing so by focusing on the perspectives of the participants, of people making maps. Through interactive and creative methods, we will brainstorm relevant aspects and prototype tools that focus on understanding and incorporating the context of data production into the map-making workflow. The session will foster exchange and learning from each other to strengthen responsible and ethical data practices in cartography. The work will be documented, and the results will – in aggregated and anonymized form – contribute to Ester Scheck’s doctoral research.
Friday October 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:20pm CDT Commons
